Some may say young actor Chen Kun is too handsome to play a scientific genius like Qian Xuesen, but a freshly released picture depicting Chen’s portrayal of the role in a biopic has dampened such doubts.

    The replica black-and-white family photo includes Chen as the young Qian Xuesen, his wife, played by actress Zhang Yuqi, and Qian’s two kids.

    The picture publicized on microblogs has triggered heated discussion among netizens, who are stunned by the great resemblance shared by actor Chen and the rocket expert.

    Chen has joined the cast of director Zhang Jianya’s new film, temporarily titled “Biopic of Qian Xuesen,” and takes the male lead.

    The biopic celebrates Qian’s important contribution to Chinese missile and rocket programs and covers much of his love story, as well as family life.

    The scientist passed away in Beijing in 2009 at the age of 98.

    (SD-Agencies)