The highly awaited film “Omniscient Reader” has released a behind-the-scenes video, giving fans a closer look at the set design, character fighting styles, and the creative process behind bringing this fantasy world to life. The movie, based on the hit web novel, follows Kim Dok Ja (Ahn Hyo Seop), who finds himself trapped inside the story he was reading. With his knowledge of the novel’s events, he teams up with the protagonist Yoo Joong Hyuk (Lee Min Ho) to save the world from destruction.
The new video highlights the challenges of blending fantasy elements with realism, the unique action styles of each character, and how the production team crafted immersive sets.
How The Film’s Fantasy World Was Built
Creating a believable fantasy world was a major focus for the “Omniscient Reader” team. Art director Lee Mok Won explained the careful balance needed to make the fictional settings feel real.
“There has to be context and logic for a realistic space to become a space of fantasy.”
One standout example was the creation of a sea serpent’s interior. Instead of relying solely on CGI, the team used steel frames and balloons to build a massive air mat-like structure. This allowed the actors to interact with a physical set, making their performances more natural.
The film also features “System Windows,” a key element from the original novel where characters see floating text and notifications. The team worked hard to integrate these seamlessly into live-action scenes without breaking immersion.
Unique Fighting Styles For Each Character
Martial arts director Jung Yoon Heon revealed how each character’s action scenes were designed to match their personality and role in the story.
“For Dok Ja, rather than technique, we researched a lot of movements where he struggles to survive in a realistic way. He’s not a trained fighter, so his movements are raw and desperate.”
In contrast, Yoo Joong Hyuk (Lee Min Ho) is a powerful warrior, so his fighting style had to be sleek and impactful. Lee Min Ho was deeply involved in shaping his character’s action scenes, suggesting ideas to make them even more dynamic.
Other characters also had distinct styles:
- Yoo Sang Ah (Chae Soo Bin) – Inspired by the Cat’s Cradle string game, her movements are fluid and strategic.
- Lee Hyun Sung (Shin Seung Ho) – Focused on brute strength, reflecting his soldier background.
- Jung Hee Won (Nana) – A mix of extravagant yet crude fighting, showing her wild and unpredictable nature.
Cinematic Techniques To Pull Viewers Into The Story
Filming director Jeon Hye Jin shared how camera work was used to make the audience feel like they were part of Kim Dok Ja’s journey.
“We used many solo shots of Dok Ja to give the perspective of him telling his secrets directly to the viewers. It helps create a personal connection.”
The film also plays with lighting and angles to differentiate between the “real world” and the novel’s fantasy setting. Scenes inside the story have a more dramatic, high-contrast look, while the real world appears more grounded.
Fan Reactions And Expectations
Since the behind-the-scenes video dropped, fans have been sharing their excitement online. Many praised the attention to detail in the set designs and the unique approach to action scenes.
“The sea serpent set looks insane! So much effort went into making it feel real.”
“Lee Min Ho’s fighting style is exactly how I imagined Yoo Joong Hyuk. Can’t wait to see it in action!”
“Ahn Hyo Seop’s portrayal of Dok Ja’s struggles seems so authentic. This movie is going to be epic.”
What’s Next For “Omniscient Reader”?
The film is set to premiere in South Korea on July 23, 2025, followed by a North American release on August 1. With its mix of intense action, deep storytelling, and stunning visuals, “Omniscient Reader” is shaping up to be one of the biggest fantasy films of the year.
Also read: BLACKPINK Jisoo Fans Call for Boycott of Omniscient Reader Movie Over Promotional Exclusion
For those who can’t wait, the original web novel and webtoon are available to read, offering a deeper dive into the world before the movie hits theaters.
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