Li Nanxing on why he’s sticking to his trusty Nokia, even in a dystopian future

Veteran actor Li Nanxing might play a disgraced doctor determined to push the boundaries of science in Mediacorp’s latest dystopian crime trilogy, The Leftovers. But in real life, the 61-year-old is unlikely to be jostling with anyone for the latest iPhone Duo. In fact, he is perfectly happy sticking to his trusty Nokia.

In the 24-episode drama, Li plays Xiao Wenze, the founder and director of RegenaCore MedTech, who is determined to advance his research into artificial wombs and lab-grown organs. As the series explores the ethical dilemmas surrounding scientific progress, the veteran actor admitted that some aspects of filming presented challenges of their own.

Speaking at a press conference for the series, Li shared that acting in front of virtual screens sometimes left him feeling dizzy. He also found himself grappling with the medical terminology in the script, some of which was difficult to pronounce.

But if there is one thing the actor remains certain about, it is the importance of trusting his instincts, especially when technology is concerned.

In a one-on-one interview with Her World, Li explained why he has little interest in upgrading to the latest smartphone.

“I always believe in trusting your own intuition. Technology can sometimes do more harm than good,” he said.

When we jokingly asked whether he would be snapping up the latest iPhone Duo, Li was quick to dismiss the idea, saying he would rather stick to his Nokia and find his own way out.

“By the time I figure out a new piece of technology, it will be outdated. It takes a long time for me to get used to it,” he explained, adding that he knows friends who have struggled to retrieve lost information and money. With scams becoming increasingly prevalent, he prefers to err on the side of caution.

His unfamiliarity with modern technology was also evident when he was asked to describe The Leftovers using emojis.

“I’m sorry,” he laughed. “I’m a caveman. I’m not even holding your kind of [smartphone]. I still use my trusty Nokia.”

Could you survive a dystopian future?

Set in 2037 on the fictional island of Equaland, The Leftovers imagines a world thrown into chaos after a volcanic eruption triggers extreme environmental pollution and widespread organ failure. Against this backdrop, the series follows characters navigating a society where survival, medical ethics and the black market collide.

The first season centres on Lin Zhekang (Zhang Ze Tong), who becomes embroiled in illegal boxing matches to pay for a lung transplant for his mother, Lin Aiqin (Jesseca Liu). Along the way, he becomes entangled with Ren Xin (Cheryl Chou), a compassionate doctor whose icy exterior conceals a more caring side.

Cheryl, who also performs the series’ soundtrack, was asked about filming her kissing scene with Ze Tong. She revealed that she took the lead, offering a glimpse into the chemistry between the two actors.

The series also features Jeremy Chan in dual roles as Zhang San, who appears in Seasons 1 and 3, and Zhang Er, who features in Season 2. Both characters are connected to Straits Hall, an organ-trafficking ring for which Zhang Er works as a driver. Sheryl Ang plays Ren Xin’s sister, Li Yina, while James Seah takes on the role of police officer Gao Shang. Desmond Tan also stars as Guo Longjing, a member of Straits Hall.

Rounding out the ensemble are younger talents Jona Chung, Kayly Loh and Yunis Toh, alongside industry veterans Zoe Tay, Cavin Soh, Darren Lim, Zhang Xinxiang, Bryan Wong, Xiang Yun, Guo Liang, Sheila Sim and Chen Li Ping.

With a story centred on survival in extraordinary circumstances, the cast were also asked a question that put their own survival instincts to the test: if they were stranded on a deserted island, whom would they want by their side?

For Li, the answer was simple. He would welcome the entire cast.

“As they say, we share weal and woe. We’re all about teamwork. In this show, I’m so fortunate to have worked with so many talents,” he said.

If he could bring only one item to the island, however, his choice would be water.

“It’s a deserted island. With water, you can prolong your survival,” he reasoned.

His co-stars had rather different ideas about who would make the ideal survival companion.

Zhang Ze Tong nominated Cheryl, reasoning that her character’s medical expertise would come in handy if anyone needed a doctor. Sheila Sim, meanwhile, had her sights set on Hollywood heartthrob Chris Hemsworth.

“He is such a fun guy. Eye candy for me,” she quipped, adding that she would happily stay on the island with him around the clock. “You’ll literally have to pull me out of the island.”

If Hemsworth were unavailable, Sheila said she would choose Jesseca, whose sweet and gentle nature would make her a comforting companion through difficult times. She even joked that Jesseca would give up her last plate of chicken rice for her.

Sheryl Ang, on the other hand, opted for Desmond Tan, with whom she has worked on numerous occasions.

“We know each other well. We share the same wardrobe and share each other’s minds, so it’ll be pretty fun to be stuck there with him,” she said.

Kayly Loh had a more straightforward reason for choosing Zhang Ze Tong: his abs.

“I would want to be with Ze Tong. Look at those abs! He’ll want to protect me, right?” she laughed.

For married co-stars Jeremy Chan and Jesseca Liu, the question prompted some playful exchanges. Jeremy immediately picked Jesseca, declaring that she was both his wife and the best castmate to have by his side.

“But what about my role in the show?” Jesseca asked, referring to her character’s predicament.

“Still you,” Jeremy replied.

“But I’m a frail old woman in the show,” she protested.

“Till death do us part,” he joked.

Jesseca, meanwhile, said she would choose Jeremy because his character’s connections to the black market would give her access to valuable resources.

The pair did not share many scenes in the series, joking that they were nearest in proximity but furthest apart in the story. Nevertheless, they had plenty to say about each other’s commitment to their roles. Jesseca recalled how Jeremy went to the trouble of finding a dentist to create a set of fake teeth that would resemble those of a drug addict.

Jeremy, in turn, acknowledged the physical demands Jesseca faced while filming a scene in which she had to be suspended in the air by wires and perform repetitive movements. The sequence required careful coordination with the stunt team to prevent injuries.

For Chen Li Ping, the ideal island companion was Bryan Wong, whom she described as fun, talkative and caring. She also believed he had what it took to survive, although she couldn’t resist teasing him about his age.

The Leftovers Season 1 premieres on Netflix on 9 November, followed by mewatch and Channel 8 on 16 November. Seasons 2 and 3 are slated to premiere in 2027.