Solo Leveling confirmed by Netflix for live-action series as major casting announced
The hit anime is continuing to take over the world!
After it took the world by storm in the form of a hit anime, Solo Leveling isn't finished with us yet.
Netflix has confirmed that a live-action version of the global phenomenon is on its way - and we already know who's set to play Sung Jin-woo.
Korean actor Byeon Woo-seok, previously known for roles in 20th Century Girl and Lovely Runner, has been cast as the E-rank hunter who gains extraordinary abilities after a near-death experience.
Lee Hae-jun and Kim Byung-seo, known for their work on films including Ashfall, Like a Virgin, Castaway on the Moon, My Dictator, and Cold Eyes, will direct the series.
So far, other details about the series are thin on the ground, but, just like the anime, we would expect the plot of the live-action version of Solo Leveling to follow Chugong's wildly popular 2016 web novel.
It's just the latest announcement regarding what seems to be a renewed dedication to anime on Netflix's part, following the recent release of titles like The Summer Hikaru Died, Sakamoto Days, and more.
As an anime, Solo Leveling has taken over the world, breaking records on Crunchyroll and sweeping the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, winning in nine categories, including Anime of the Year, Best Action, and Best Character.
The second season released earlier this year on Crunchyroll to widespread acclaim, with fans now waiting with bated breath about a potential season 3.
Speaking on a Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything) earlier this year, producers Sota Furuhashi and Atsushi Kaneko spoke about Solo Leveling's unprecedented success.
They said: "As animation producers, we don’t know if we’ll ever encounter another project with the same scale and impact as Solo Leveling.
"It’s a rare kind of series. This has been a truly special experience in our careers."
With a live-action series now on the way, that statement has never seemed more apt.
Solo Leveling seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on Crunchyroll.
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Authors
Louise Griffin is the Sci-Fi & Fantasy Editor for Radio Times, covering everything from Doctor Who, Star Wars and Marvel to House of the Dragon and Good Omens. She previously worked at Metro as a Senior Entertainment Reporter and has a degree in English Literature.
