Anticipation and Concerns Surround the Release of 'Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint' Film Adaptation

The upcoming release of the film 'Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint' (hereafter 'ORV') has stirred excitement and concern among fans. The original web novel, a mega-hit with over 300 million views, has set high expectations. Director Kim Byung-woo emphasized, "Whether you've read the original or not, my goal is to make this film enjoyable as a standalone piece." Lead actors Ahn Hyo-seop and Lee Min-ho were cast for their 'freshness' and 'certainty,' respectively. The casting of BLACKPINK's Jisoo, which sparked both interest and controversy, was ultimately deemed successful.

'ORV' is a fantasy action film that depicts a world where the fictional universe of a novel becomes reality on the day the novel concludes after a decade of serialization. The film stars Ahn Hyo-seop, Lee Min-ho, Chae Soo-bin, Shin Seung-ho, Nana, BLACKPINK's Jisoo, and Kwon Eun-sung. Recently, director Kim Byung-woo shared insights about the film during an interview at a café in Samcheong-dong, Seoul.

Director Kim acknowledged the diverse perspectives surrounding the film adaptation of 'ORV.' He stated, "It's better to have interest than none at all, and I'm grateful for it. This was something I anticipated when I decided to take on this project." He added, "I was cautious. Producer Won Dong-yeon also advised me to be meticulous and attentive, which I took to heart."

It took nearly two years for Director Kim to decide to adapt the web novel into a film after reading it. He explained, "It was fun and fresh, but I couldn't figure out how to make it into a film. I used character narration in the movie, which I usually avoid. I wondered if audiences would find elements like game status screens accessible. Although it's a fantasy action film, it blends multiple genres. I pondered for a long time on how to make it enjoyable for those unfamiliar with the original. It took about two years to gain that confidence, while the scriptwriting took less than a year."

Regarding the decisive moment for his commitment, he said, "I realized that if I could utilize the characters more, audiences would find the film entertaining. Initially, I was focused on how to condense the original novel, but I returned to fundamental questions like 'Why do people watch movies?' and 'What do people want to see?' I came to see the novel and the film as different media." He was particularly drawn to 'ORV' as an "experiential, participatory content" where audiences could immerse themselves in the protagonist's role.

In the film, Ahn Hyo-seop plays Kim Dok-ja, an ordinary office worker and the sole reader of the decade-long serialized novel. Casting Ahn, who had no prior film experience, as the lead in a large-scale production was a risk. Director Kim explained, "This film needed a fresh start from the beginning. We wanted to create something genuine and cast actors who fit that vision. This approach would make the film feel fresh to audiences." Regarding Ahn, he said, "I wanted an actor who could embody both universality and uniqueness. After watching his previous works and meeting him, I felt he could express universality well. He is also very diligent." He praised Ahn for his dedication, noting, "He never used a stunt double and never said he couldn't do something on set. He came well-prepared for both action and acting."

Lee Min-ho plays Yoo Joong-hyuk, a character with regression abilities and the last survivor in the novel. The casting intention for Lee was different from Ahn's. Director Kim stated, "While Ahn's casting was about freshness, Yoo Joong-hyuk's role required certainty. No other name came to mind but Lee Min-ho." He added, "We needed someone who could deliver comic-like lines naturally, create a genre with their presence alone, and embody the role without CGI or special effects. Lee Min-ho was the only choice for Yoo Joong-hyuk, as he needed to be a solid anchor for the character."

Another point of contention among prospective viewers is the casting of Jisoo and the changes to her character. Jisoo, making her film debut, plays Lee Ji-hye, a high school student who calls Yoo Joong-hyuk her master.

Jisoo has faced criticism for her acting in previous works. Director Kim commented, "Despite the criticisms, I believe it was a well-made casting choice. Lee Ji-hye is a character that might have been overlooked if not played by Jisoo. She connects with the message Kim Dok-ja delivers at the film's end. We couldn't take any character lightly, as each needed to contribute to the film's momentum. After much deliberation, we decided to cast Jisoo."

Lee Ji-hye's screen time is limited, yet she has become a focal point. Director Kim noted, "She's a highly recognized actress," and clarified, "Nothing was cut. The screen time was exactly as we planned in the script." He added, "Jisoo's appearance comes quite late in the film, which is unconventional in scriptwriting. In the original, she's a significant character, but we couldn't introduce her earlier due to the physical setting required for her appearance. We believed that having a well-known actress would enhance her presence."

In the original, Lee Ji-hye is backed by a character known as 'The Hidden Hand,' represented by Admiral Yi Sun-sin, and she uses a sword. However, in the film, her weapon is changed to a gun, sparking controversy among fans for deviating from the original. Director Kim explained, "Many characters in the original use swords, but we wanted to differentiate the visual combat scenes in the film. We thought it would be more exciting to have diverse weaponry rather than just swords."

'ORV' is set to release on July 23 as a tentpole film during the traditional summer blockbuster season. With a production budget of approximately 31.2 billion won and a break-even point estimated at 6 million viewers, it is a large-scale project. Director Kim expressed, "There is pressure in releasing a film of this budget and genre at this time. However, my focus is on making it enjoyable for audiences."

The original novel spans 551 chapters, making it impossible to cover its entirety in a two-hour film. The team focused on select elements, leaving room for potential sequels. Director Kim stated, "This time, it was about clearly positioning 'ORV' for audiences. I hope we can make a sequel. Both the actors and I are eager for it."

Reported by Kim Ji-won, TenAsia bella@tenasia.co.kr