The complicated comeback of Wattpad adaptations

There was a time when Wattpad stories quietly ruled Philippine television. For longtime readers, it’s hard not to feel nostalgic about TV5’s Wattpad Presents—a dedicated space where online stories leapt from phone screens to primetime slots.

The casting often felt right, too, with familiar faces like Ella Cruz and Jasmine Curtis bringing characters to life in a way that didn’t feel forced.

Then came the real explosion. Diary ng Panget and She’s Dating the Gangster didn’t just become successful film adaptations; they became cultural moments.

Backed by the country’s biggest love teams at the time—JaDine and KathNiel—these movies proved that Wattpad stories could dominate the box office and shape pop culture. For a while, it felt like anything born on Wattpad had the potential to become the next big thing.

But like all trends, the hype eventually faded. For a few years, Wattpad adaptations took a back seat—until Viva One revived interest by adapting Gwy Saludes’ University Series. The reception was warm, and anticipation grew. Readers once again wondered which beloved story would be next.

That question was answered with Ang Mutya ng Section E, a breakout hit that surprised even longtime Wattpad readers.

Despite not encountering the story before the series, many viewers praised its engaging plot and, according to fans, accurate casting. Its success opened the floodgates, encouraging Viva to greenlight even more adaptations. And that’s where things became complicated.

At what point does “more” become too much?

The announcement of I Love You Since 1982—arguably one of the most beloved Wattpad books—sparked backlash instead of excitement. The story’s unique take on history had long captivated readers, many of whom had already associated the characters with Marlo Mortel and Janella Salvador.

Years earlier, the book had been published under ABS-CBN, with Mortel even releasing a song inspired by the story. For fans, the pairing felt inevitable.

So when Viva took over the project and cast bigger, more bankable stars instead, disappointment turned into outrage. While some casting choices, like Joseph Marco and parts of the supporting cast, were well-received, the main leads were largely rejected by readers. What added fuel to the fire was the author’s perceived indifference, leaving fans feeling unheard and betrayed.

Another adaptation that failed to meet expectations was ABS-CBN’s The Four Bad Boys and Me. A Wattpad favorite, the series struggled to win over audiences. Even readers who loved the book found the trailer underwhelming, and the awkward performances ultimately led to its flop.

Not all adaptations, however, were missteps.  Seducing Drake Palma delivered mixed reactions—some loved it, others didn’t. As someone who hadn’t read the book beforehand, the series felt enjoyable, with strong production value and engaging storytelling.

Readers were divided over the casting of Angela Muji as Alys, but many praised the show for its cinematography and its effort to stay faithful to the source material.

Viva is now moving forward with more adaptations, including Project Loki, My Husband Is a Mafia Boss, and Hell University Initial skepticism from readers was expected—Wattpad fans are deeply attached to their imagined versions of characters.

This time, though, the reception has been more hopeful. It seems Viva may have learned from past backlash, delivering castings that resonate better with fans.

Still, a lingering question remains: is Viva and other media agencies genuinely committed to telling these stories well, or are Wattpad adaptations becoming a creative crutch?

As a Wattpad author myself, I understand the dream. Seeing your story recognized—let alone adapted—is something many writers aspire to. Watching characters transform from words on a page into flesh and bone is magical. Wattpad adaptations aren’t the problem. When done right, they’re a celebration.

The key lies in respect: respecting the readers, the characters, and the source material. Adaptations should honor the story, not merely use it as a reference. Because when imagination is handled with care, everyone wins.