Lee Min Ho's Omniscient Reader: The Prophet live action slammed by fans for 'butchering' webtoon: 'It'll give you brain damage'

Time of India

5 days ago

Omniscient Reader: The Prophet, the much-awaited live-action adaptation of the hit web novel Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint, premiered in South Korea on July 23. Directed by Kim Byung-woo and based on the best-selling story by Sing Shong, the film stars a powerhouse cast, including Lee Min Ho, Ahn Hyo Seop, Chae Soo Bin, Shin Seung Ho, Nana, and BLACKPINK's Jisoo.
With a fan-favourite story and some of the industry's most popular names attached, many hoped this would finally be the live-action adaptation that did justice to the source material. Unfortunately, early viewer reactions, particularly from the fans of the webtoon, suggest otherwise.
What is Omniscient Reader: The Prophet about?
The film follows Kim Dokja (played by Lee Min Ho), a seemingly ordinary man who finds himself living inside the world of a web novel he's been reading for years. In a world where readers become players and scenarios determine survival, Dokja must use his knowledge of the novel to outsmart deadly challenges and navigate a universe controlled by godlike constellations.
It's a story of survival, fate, and morality, packed with twists and layered characters. On paper, it sounds like a thrilling cinematic experience. But fans of the original material are feeling let down by how it was adapted for the big screen.
Fans of Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint react: They butchered it (Spoilers Ahead!)
The film's release triggered a flood of reactions online, especially from long-time readers of the original web novel. The Reddit community dedicated to Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint has now become a space where fans are voicing their frustration, disappointment, and confusion over the film's many unexpected changes.
One Reddit user wrote a detailed review of the live adaptation, writing, 'They butchered it. So bad it will give you brain damage from watching it. All your fears about live action? Justified.'
The user also pointed out major character shifts. Dokja, originally portrayed as cunning and morally grey, is now just a 'nice guy.' His manipulative streak, a key part of his arc, is completely erased.
The list of missing elements from the source material is long, as shared by the fan, who said, no omniscient reader's viewpoint ability, no fourth wall, and no bookmark skill. They also noticed missing characters and lore, oversimplified plotlines, and a final boss battle that felt completely off-tone.
'I don't think the director even read the source material,' the viewer wrote. 'He missed the point and somehow turned the central theme into teamwork.'
Another Redditor said, 'They made it extremely short, ending it by the third scenario. I expected at least the Theatre Dungeon. This isn't it.'
Multiple viewers expressed their frustration at the film ignoring iconic moments, changing character dynamics, and turning deep lore into a more surface-level fantasy flick. Some even questioned how much of the original story was actually read by the creators.
Global release dates for Omniscient Reader: The Prophet
Despite the backlash, the movie is now on track for international rollouts. Here's when you can catch Omniscient Reader: The Prophet in your country:
July 30 – Indonesia
July 31 – Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand
August 1 – United States, Canada, Vietnam
If you're planning to watch, you may want to go in with lowered expectations, especially if you're a long-time fan of the web novel. While the visuals and cast performances might be worth the watch, just be prepared for a version of Omniscient Reader that takes its own path.
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