My Date with a Vampire Reboot Faces Backlash Despite Nostalgic Appeal to Longtime Fans

My Date with a Vampire Reboot Faces Backlash Despite Nostalgic Appeal to Longtime Fans

The classic Hong Kong television series My Date with a Vampire, which first aired in 1998, has returned with a new adaptation released on December 11, 2025. Originally planned for a 2023 theatrical release, the film faced several delays after filming began in 2022. Instead of hitting cinemas, the reboot was released online, allowing fans to watch it from home. This new version presents a fresh story set in a parallel universe, following the characters Ma Siu Ling and Fong Tin Yau as they fight a vampire apocalypse.

My Date with a Vampire Reboot Sparks Backlash

In the reboot, Karena Ng plays Ma Siu Ling, and Bosco Wong takes on the role of Fong Tin Yau. The film is written and directed by Chan Sap Sam, who has returned to continue the franchise’s legacy. He stated that this new version exists as an independent universe, aiming to introduce the classic story to a new generation while keeping the charm of the original. Despite these intentions, the adaptation faced mixed reactions from viewers.

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Many fans criticized Karena Ng’s performance as Ma Siu Ling, saying she did not live up to the iconic portrayal by Joey Meng in the original series. The brief appearance of Joey Meng in the new movie, limited to a two-second close-up of her eyes, disappointed fans who had hoped for a larger role. Some viewers felt the film relied too much on nostalgia, using the famous franchise to attract attention without delivering a strong story.

The film itself also faced criticism for its quality. Fans complained about weak character development, poor acting, and visual effects that seemed cheap and unrealistic. Some even compared the effects to low-budget zombie movies. Many viewers felt that the new adaptation “ruined childhood memories” because it could not match the emotional impact and storytelling of the original series.

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Despite the backlash, the new My Date with a Vampire offers a different take on a beloved franchise. It introduces new actors and storylines, which may appeal to younger audiences unfamiliar with the original. However, for longtime fans, the reboot serves as a reminder of how special the original series was and the challenges of recreating something so iconic. The new adaptation shows that reviving a classic is not always easy, especially when expectations are so high.

Purnima s
Author: Purnima s

Purnima | Entertainment Blogger 4+ yrs writing fun blogs on movies, celebs & trends. Pop culture addict serving fresh, binge-worthy content!