Wallace and Gromit is a popular British clay animation series created by Nick Park. The main characters are Wallace, an eccentric inventor, and his loyal and intelligent dog, Gromit. The series first gained popularity with the release of the short film "A Grand Day Out" in 1989. The dynamic duo's adventures are usually filled with humor, slapstick comedy, and clever storytelling. The films often follow Wallace and Gromit as they embark on various escapades and encounter unusual situations. Some notable films in the series include "The Wrong Trousers," "A Close Shave," and "The Curse of the Were-Rabbit.

Commentary: The Thai Adaptation of “Cherry Magic” and Why There’s Room for All

I am very much looking forward to the Thai adaptation of Cherry Magic starring Tay Tawan and New Thitipoom. For one, because they were the first Thai BL pairing I ever watched and followed. And seeing them reunited finally in a new project is very exciting. But also two, I watched (and enjoyed) the Japanese series adaptation of the manga a few years ago because it starred Eiji Akaso who I knew from Kamen Rider Build, one of my favorite seasons of that franchise.

So when my two worlds collide like this, it is very exciting. But the news of the Thai adaptation definitely brought about some mixed reactions from people. And really, reactions on the exact opposite sides of the spectrum too.

The original Cherry Magic story, written by Toyota Yuu, centers around Kiyoshi Adachi, a 30-year-old virgin who wakes up on his 30th birthday to find that he can hear people’s thoughts just by touching them. Though this strange power, he learns that his co-worker Yuichi Kurosawa is actually in love with him. And the story continues as Adachi struggles with what to do with this information while Kurosawa does what he can to be near Adachi, even if that means just helping and admiring him from afar.

The story is of course a romantic tale for our two leads. But it also touches upon overcoming insecurities and learning how to open oneself to be able to connect with others. Especially in a world where it seems like that can be the most difficult thing, particularly for salarymen like Adachi and Kurosawa.

The Japanese series adaptation really hit the jackpot with Eiji Akaso and Keita Machida as Adachi and Kurosawa, respectively. Their great chemistry and their respective talent as actors definitely helped to successfully bring the fun, cute and meaningful story to vivid life.

It’s easy to see why the series became so popular when it first aired. And to this day, as evidenced by the varied reactions to the announcement of the Thai adaptation, it still enjoys a large, dedicated fanbase. It was a really fun and enjoyable series.

Being a Filipino-American, I definitely can understand the fear, worry and apprehension of a local adaptation of a foreign concept or format. (I wrote about the Philippines’ mixed bag on such adaptations here.) And being a toku fan as well, I too have experienced disappointment and regret by adaptations of a Sentai or Kamen Rider.

But in the last couple of years, I’ve come to also understand that an adaptation’s creative success or failure should have no bearing on the original work. Now, disrespecting that source material is another story. But having an adaptation that is not to your liking isn’t necessarily disrespecting the original. It’s really more on annoying your own feelings using boundaries you’ve set on your own. It is a bit of gatekeeping for something that should be shared with and enjoyed by all.

So when it comes to Cherry Magic Thailand, even if I don’t agree, I can understand where some are coming from when they are horrified that this adaptation will somehow harm the original series that they loved.

What I can say from my own experience is that no matter how this Thai adaptation turns out, nothing will take the original series you loved so much away from you. It will still be there and still be the awesome thing you love and care about. A Thai, or any country’s adaptation of it will not change that fact.

It’s also worth noting (and I’ve seen conveniently ignored online) that Cherry Magic Thailand is adapting the manga and not the television series, which itself had differences from the source material. So if anything, this Thai adaptation could be completely different. And that should be a good thing. An “adaptation” requires one to adapt the source material to fit the audience it is being created for and even the cast and crew that will be working on it.

Again, that’s not disrespecting the original work or other adaptations of it. It’s just something different.

There will of course be universal themes that all different Cherry Magic versions will have. Whether it is the idea of tackling insecurities or making friends or facing the uncertain world or just simply falling in love for the first time; those will still be there. But there will also be different touches and approaches. And if you keep an open mind, those twists can be just as refreshing and enjoyable as whatever you might have read or watched before.

Without even a trailer yet for the Thai adaptation. It’s hard to see how some fans on the internets have already managed to judge it and dismiss it. But even more so, it’s hard to judge a television series that hasn’t even started production yet.

Ultimately, the manga’s creator is looking forward to the Thai adaptation and even many Japanese fans are excited as well. That’s of course in addition to the fans of Tay and New and others who are just looking forward to a fresh new series to enjoy. I guess I just want to hope that everyone can have an open mind. And remember that no one is taking what you have loved away from you. There’s plenty of wonderful, great stories for everyone to enjoy. And Cherry Magic, whether in a manga or on Japanese television or in a Thai series, is just one of those stories. In three different ways, of course.

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Get Ready! Cherry Magic Thailand Set to Air This November 2023

Fans of Polca (TayNew) can finally rejoice as "Cherry Magic the Series" by TayNew is set to air this November.

This news was announced and confirmed by the cast of Cherry Magic Thailand themselves, Sing Harit and Jan Ployshompoo, today.

Both actors are seeking support from fans for their project and are looking forward to November 2023.

The adaptation of Cherry Magic Thailand marks TayNew's BL comeback project after Dark Blue Kiss.

Tay Tawan and New Thitipom will be playing the roles of Karan and Achi, alongside Junior Panachai and Mark Jiruntanin as Jinta and Min, and Sing Harit and Jan Ployshompoo as Pai and Rock.

Cherry Magic the Series tells the story of a 30-year-old man named Achi who is still single. On his 30th birthday, Achi suddenly gains the mysterious ability to read other people's thoughts when he touches them.

At first, Achi doesn't believe in his power, but he later realizes that it can help him in his daily life. One day, Karan, a coworker he has long admired, unexpectedly touches him, and he can hear Karan's thoughts, revealing that Karan actually has feelings for him.

The Thai version of this drama will be directed by X Nuttapong Mongkolsawas.

Polca fans are certainly excited to see TayNew reunite on screen. They are also looking forward to seeing the Thai version of Cherry Magic.

Cherry Magic Thailand will be airing on GMMTV in November 2023.

Cherry Magic! manga being made into Thai drama series – Boys’ Love story stars Thitipoom Techa-apaikhun and Tawan Vihokratana

The hit manga Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?! by Yuu Toyota has already received a drama adaptation in Japan, followed by a movie that continues on with the cute love story between office worker Kiyoshi Adachi and salesman Yuichi Kurosawa.

Now it seems Thailand is also interested in the Boys’ Love story, as news from Thai entertainment conglomerate GMMTV confirms Cherry Magic! is getting an adaptation in Thailand.

A cute new graphic was released on the mangaka’s Twitter account today, featuring Adachi and Kurosawa wrapped in the Thai flag while holding a notice saying “Cherry Magic is being made into a drama in Thailand”.

As someone who lived in Thailand for almost 15 years, and also a huge fan of the Cherry Magic! manga series, this does not surprise me at all.

Thais have long been open-minded about gay relationships, and the Boys’ Love genre in Thai comic books, TV shows and movies has been becoming even more popular in recent years.

Throw in that the love story between Adachi, who can read minds, and Kurosawa, a handsome salesman in his office who is in love with him is absolutely adorable, and it’s no wonder the Thais want their very own version of the story.

The Thai version of Cherry Magic! is to be called Cherry Magic 30 Yang Sing, and will star Tawan Vihokratana (nickname Tay) in the role of Kurosawa (in Thailand named Karan), and Thitipoom Techa-apaikhun (known as New) in the role of Adachi (in Thailand named Achi).

Roles that we should definitely see some interesting chemistry in, as Tay and New are close friends in real life — even owning a business together.

Supporting actors include Panachai Sriariyarungruang (nickname Junior), Jiruntanin Trairattanayon (nickname Mark), Harit Cheewagaroon (nickname Sing) and Ployshompoo Supasap (nickname Jan).

Cherry Magic 30 Yang Sing is being directed by Nuttapong Mongkolsawas (Theory of Love).

First Cherry Magic 30 Yang Sing poster

The original Cherry Magic manga series is published in English by Square Enix, who has this to say about the plot:

If you’re still a virgin when you turn 30, you turn into a wizard.”

The magical power gained by 30-year-old virgin Adachi … is the modest ability to read the mind of anyone he touches. Unsure how to handle his useless power, Adachi accidentally reads the mind of his colleague Kurosawa. Kurosawa’s mind turns out to be full of love for Adachi! Adachi can’t believe his colleague is in love with him.

However, with no way of knowing his feelings have been discovered, Kurosawa continues trying to win over Adachi. Will the handsome man’s sincere feelings for the virgin come to fruition?!

The original Japanese adaptation of the manga is currently being streamed on Crunchyroll, and let me just say, it is one of my favorite Boys’ Love dramas in years.

As for the Thai adaptation, Cherry Magic 30 Yang Sing, it will premiere some time in 2023. Keep your eyes open for it dropping, as this one should be cute.

I am a Brit-American journalist, former radio DJ, and founder of Leo Sigh currently based in Vienna, Austria. I'm also obsessed with music, anime, manga, and K-dramas. Help!

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Some notable films in the series include "The Wrong Trousers," "A Close Shave," and "The Curse of the Were-Rabbit." The endearing nature of the characters and the attention to detail in the animation have made Wallace and Gromit beloved by audiences of all ages. The series has received critical acclaim and has won numerous prestigious awards, including multiple Academy Awards for Best Animated Short Film.

One of the defining aspects of the Wallace and Gromit series is the unique visual style created through clay animation. This labor-intensive animation technique involves sculpting characters and set pieces out of clay or plasticine and photographing them frame by frame to create the illusion of movement. The meticulous attention to detail in the clay animations adds a level of charm to the series that has become synonymous with Wallace and Gromit. Wallace and Gromit's popularity has extended beyond the original films, with the characters appearing in various spin-offs, merchandise, and even a theme park ride. The witty banter between Wallace and Gromit and their entertaining adventures have captured the hearts of many and solidified their place in popular culture. In conclusion, Wallace and Gromit is a beloved clay animation series that has delighted audiences since its creation. The endearing characters, clever storytelling, and unique animation style have made Wallace and Gromit a timeless and cherished part of British pop culture..

Reviews for "The Enduring Legacy of Wallace and Gromit: 30 Years of Adventure"

1. John - 2/5 stars

I found "Wallace and Gormit: Curse" to be disappointing. The plot was confusing and lacked a clear direction. The characters seemed one-dimensional and lacked development. The humor, which is usually a highlight of Wallace and Gormit movies, fell flat and failed to elicit any laughs. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied with this installment in the franchise.

2. Sara - 1/5 stars

"Wallace and Gormit: Curse" was a complete letdown. The animation was mediocre, and the visuals didn't live up to the high standards set by previous Wallace and Gormit movies. The storyline was uninteresting and seemed like a rehash of previous plots. The jokes were stale, and I found myself cringing more than laughing. I would recommend skipping this film and rewatching the earlier, more enjoyable, Wallace and Gormit movies instead.

3. Mike - 2/5 stars

I was eagerly anticipating "Wallace and Gormit: Curse," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The pacing was slow, making the already weak plot drag on for what felt like an eternity. The humor seemed forced, and many of the jokes missed their mark. I also found the new characters introduced in this film to be unmemorable and uninteresting. It's a shame because I'm usually a fan of Wallace and Gormit movies, but this one just didn't do it for me.

4. Emily - 2.5/5 stars

While "Wallace and Gormit: Curse" had its moments, overall, I found it to be lackluster. The animation was well-done, as expected, but the story felt disjointed and lacked the usual charm of the franchise. Additionally, the character developments were lacking, making it difficult to connect with the protagonists. The humor, although occasionally funny, was not enough to redeem the overall shortcomings of the film. I was left feeling disappointed and hoping for a more engaging and enjoyable experience.

Unleashing the Culinary Chaos: A Taste of Wallace and Gromit