Netflix’s Next Live-Action Anime Will Level Up the Streaming Service If It Nails This 1 Thing

In 2025, Netflix announced a major live-action adaptation of a hit anime series that quickly became a global phenomenon following its release. Solo Leveling stands out as an anime for its strong international reception and early success, which quickly captured the attention of audiences worldwide and the entertainment industry.

Now, with Netflix backing a live-action series, fans are eagerly awaiting information or first looks that hint at the series’ execution. As a high-profile title, millions of viewers are expecting a production that matches the series’ scope, energy, and visual intensity that initially propelled the series into international acclaim.

Solo Leveling Became an Instant International Hit

Solo Leveling began as a South Korean web novel written by Chugong, first published in 2016. Much of its appeal centered around the rise of its underdog protagonist, a clearly defined power system, and game-like progression, making it a thrilling story for countless readers.

By 2018, Solo Leveling was adapted into a webtoon, illustrated by Jang Sung-rak, also known as Dubu. The series attracted readers worldwide, building a dedicated fan base that helped it skyrocket in popularity by the time it was adapted into an anime, which was released in January 2024.

The anime series was produced by A-1 Pictures in Japan and streams exclusively on Crunchyroll. Solo Leveling currently spans two seasons with a total of 25 episodes between them. The adaptation stayed close to the source material’s pacing and built upon its following to become an international phenomenon.

By 2025, Solo Leveling had become one of Crunchyroll’s most influential titles. It won the Anime of the Year award, along with several other notable awards, and became the most-rated and most-watched anime on the platform, surpassing anime giants like One Piece and Demon Slayer.

Netflix Has Officially Announced a Live-Action Solo Leveling Adaptation

Byeon woo seok with sung jinwoo as seen in the anime

Following its record-setting performance on Crunchyroll, Solo Leveling quickly attracted attention from other streaming platforms. The scale of its audience and the demand for more of the franchise positioned the series as the perfect option for a live-action adaptation, which Netflix quickly backed, announcing in July 2025 that it plans to develop a live-action series.

So far, Netflix has announced central castings, including Han So-hee as Cha Hae-in and Kang You-seok as Yoo Jinho. As for the leading role, Netflix has announced that Byeon Woo-seok, one of South Korea’s most in-demand actors, will be assuming the role of Sung Jinwoo. Together, the three stand out as strong casting choices for the live-action adaptation.

Byeon Woo-seok is most notably recognized for his performances in 20th Century Girl and Lovely Runner, projects that helped him rise to stardom. Paired with direction from Lee Hae-jun and Kim Byung-seo, known for their work in Ashfall, Castaway on the Moon, Cold Eyes, and more, fans can expect Solo Leveling’s live-action to deliver an unforgettable adaptation.

Netflix Needs To Nail One Thing To Get Solo Leveling Right

With the lead castings in place and fans anticipating more announcements later in 2026, attention is slowly shifting from which actors will carry the story to how the world itself will be portrayed in live action. While casting is a crucial element to any adaptation, for a series like Solo Leveling, the visual performance is arguably just as important.

As a story filled with dungeons, monsters, and escalating powers, the live-action adaptation will have to deliver stunning visuals to effectively capture the series’ scale and intensity. As Jinwoo grows from the world’s weakest hunter to the Shadow Monarch, commanding his own army of shadows and possessing immense physical abilities, the live-action must deliver visuals that convey that scope.

Failure to deliver on these effects could undermine the series, no matter how strong the casting may be. Luckily, Netflix appears to be aware of that responsibility, sharing that their adaptation of Solo Leveling will feature a top-tier global visual effects team. However, without more concrete information, fans can only speculate on how the series may turn out.

A Live-Action Solo Leveling Adaptation Has Immense Potential

Byeon Woo-seok as Ryu Shi-oh in Strong Girl Nam-soon

With stellar casting for the leading roles and promises to deliver on visual effects, Netflix’s Solo Leveling adaptation could shape up to be a stunning expansion of the franchise and could serve to expand the series’s reach. It could potentially even make Solo Leveling stand among some of Netflix’s most internationally recognized series.

A live-action adaptation of Solo Leveling would not only appeal to established audiences but also introduce the series to newcomers worldwide.

The anime adaptation of the series proved the series’s high demand and narrative intrigue. By reimagining the series as a live-action series, Netflix has a unique opportunity to reach broader audiences who are less interested in anime or manhwa. A live-action adaptation of Solo Leveling would not only appeal to established audiences but also introduce the series to newcomers worldwide.

While so far Netflix seems to be delivering on the Solo Leveling adaptation, from casting to promises of top-tier visual effects, fans must await further information on the series. With Netflix reportedly planning to start filming in April 2026, audiences can expect further information on the series in the coming months.