Netflix is Adapting "Solo Leveling" Anime — and Here's Why This Could Be the Studio's Next Big Hit

When an anime scores 100% fresh from critics and sweeps nine categories at the Crunchyroll Awards, Netflix can't ignore it. So now we're getting a live-action series — and there's every chance it could be just as successful as Squid Game.

What's particularly important — the adaptation isn't based directly on the anime, but on the record-breaking webtoon that's been read 14.3 billion times worldwide, reports Variety.

What the anime and manhwa were about

The world has been overrun by portals spewing out monsters. Only professional hunters can fight them. The main character, Sung Jin-woo, is the weakest of them all, but he's the one who gets the chance to show what he's made of and save the world.

Why you should be excited for this series

First off, because the original is a rare story where the main character doesn't get power handed to him from above. He earns it. Through sweat, blood, pain, and battling monsters. This makes his growth not just spectacular to watch, but emotionally charged. These are the heroes you actually want to root for.
Two men in armor with cloaks standing holding swords
Frame from the anime "Solo Leveling"
Source:
Second — the Solo Leveling world is perfect for adaptation. The aesthetics, dungeon architecture, fight choreography, and monster designs already earned high praise in the anime. On Rotten Tomatoes, the project has a perfect 100% fresh rating from critics and 76% from audiences. On IMDb — it's scored 8.6 out of 10.

A live-action adaptation will let them expand this visually on an even bigger scale. Netflix knows how to invest in projects like this — just look at "The Witcher" or "One Piece."

What to expect from the adaptation

The project is currently in active production, with a release planned for 2027. Netflix already has successful experience with K-dramas and genre adaptations ("Avatar: The Last Airbender"), and with the original's international popularity, the stakes are high.

The lead role will be played by Byeon Woo-seok — star of the K-drama "Lovely Runner." Behind the cameras — the duo of Lee Hae-jun and Kim Byung-seo, known for the dynamic action film "Eruption."

If they get it right — this won't just be fan service for anime lovers, but a full-blown blockbuster that even people hearing about Jin-woo for the first time will want to follow. And that's definitely worth waiting for. Earlier, we at zoomboola.com told you about the anime that captivated the "Twilight" star — and made it onto the list of the greatest films of the 21st century.