Omniscient Reader director Kim Byung-woo expressed gratitude for the high interest from original fans and some negative views.
On the morning of the 17th, an interview with Omniscient Reader: The Prophet director Kim Byung-woo was conducted at a café in Sogyeok-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
Omniscient Reader: The Prophet (directed by Kim Byung-woo, provided by Lotte Entertainment and Smilegate, distributed by Lotte Entertainment, produced by Realize Pictures Co., Ltd., co-produced by MYM Entertainment, Smilegate Realize, and The Present Company) is a fantasy action film where the world of the novel becomes reality after the novel, serialized for over 10 years, is completed. The only reader, Kim Dok-ja (played by Ahn Hyo-seop), fights to survive in a ruined world alongside the main character Yoo Jung-hyuk (played by Lee Min-ho) and his companions.
This blockbuster, with a production cost of approximately 30 billion won, is based on the popular web novel of the same name that has received love from global fans. After recently being reborn as a film following the webtoon, it features K-pop stars Lee Min-ho and Ahn Hyo-seop, as well as global girl group BLACKPINK's Jisoo. Directed by Kim Byung-woo, known for 'The Terror Live' (2013) and 'PMC: The Bunker' (2018), this is his new work after 7 years, produced by Realize Pictures, which created the hit series Along with the Gods.
Currently, advance sales have been secured in 113 countries worldwide, including Japan, Singapore, and Vietnam, signaling a global box office success. It is notably set for theatrical release in Germany, where Korean films rarely debut, proving its competitiveness.
However, the process of adapting the original web novel for the screen has not been easy. Concerns and criticisms arose as major historical figures such as Admiral Yi Soon-shin were omitted from the narrative of the globally popular IP, which has surpassed 300 million views. Nevertheless, at a recent press screening, the adaptation's simplicity and spectacular CGI received praise that exceeded expectations.
"There are many films with original works, but isn't there a feeling of having a mother-in-law with ten million viewers?" In response, he said, "I am grateful just for the interest. Whether it's a mother-in-law or anyone else, I appreciate any feedback from those who watch." He added, "From the moment I decided to make this film, I anticipated what would unfold to some extent. I wondered, 'How satisfied can those who love this story be when they see it again as a movie?'
The representative of the production company for Omniscient Reader has already experienced the challenges of adapting a popular original work eight years ago while creating the hit Along with the Gods series. Director Kim Byung-woo said, "The representative recounted the difficulties they faced. They received a lot of feedback after removing just one character. (laughs) They were very particular about that point and kept it in mind during the screenplay writing period."
"In fact, it took me quite a long time to decide to make this into a movie. It seems to have taken almost two years. When I first read it, I found it so interesting and fresh, but I had no idea how to turn it into a film. I thought a lot about how people could easily watch it and if those who don't know much would enjoy it. I had this concern for quite a while, and it took about two years for me to gain some confidence that it would unfold in a certain way."
BLACKPINK's Jisoo played the high school student Lee Ji-hye, who calls Yoo Jung-hyuk her master. In previously released stills and videos, Lee Ji-hye is seen wielding a gun instead of a sword. While the original characters draw on the powers of historical figures, with Lee Ji-hye having Admiral Yi Soon-shin as her "backing character," some fans argue that holding a gun instead of a symbolic sword doesn't suit her character.
Director Kim Byung-woo noted, "There may be strict views from original fans. Regarding weapon usage, I wanted to implement visual differentiation for each character. I thought we should diversify the weapons, and after discussion, we settled on the current weapon (from bow to gun)."
It is reported that the original author was very satisfied after seeing the completed Omniscient Reader, but the director stated, "Even if we received positive reviews, we still can't know for sure. The opinions of general audiences are the most important. I feel anxious and, on one hand, excited. I must remain calm during times like this. I think we need to observe the reactions a bit longer."
Meanwhile, Omniscient Reader: The Prophet is set to be released on the 23rd.
[Photo provided by Lotte Entertainment]
[OSEN]