New details about Netflix’s planned Solo Leveling live-action show have sparked conversations among fans. According to recent information, the series is being prepared as a high-budget Korean production. Filming is expected to start in April 2026. A key point of discussion is the reported episode count. A job listing on a Korean filmmakers’ forum suggested the first season might consist of seven episodes. This detail is not yet officially confirmed by Netflix and some experts note the job posting does not specifically name Solo Leveling, leaving room for doubt.
The show will feature a star-studded Korean cast. Byeon Woo-seok is set to play the main character, Sung Jinwoo. He will be joined by Han So-hee as the S-rank hunter Cha Hae-in. Kang You-seok will take on the role of Yoo Jinho, Jinwoo’s loyal friend. The series will be co-directed by Lee Hae-jun and Kim Byung-seo, who are known for their work on Korean films like Ashfall. The production is a collaboration between Kakao Entertainment and Sanai Pictures.
The 7-Episode Plan and Fan Reaction
The idea of a seven-episode season for a story as large as Solo Leveling has become a major talking point. The original web novel and webtoon contain a vast amount of story, spanning roughly 200 chapters. For comparison, the first season of the popular anime had 12 episodes. This difference in length has led to questions about how much of the story can be told.
Some observers point out that Netflix’s live-action episodes often run longer than anime episodes. While an anime episode is usually around 20-25 minutes, a Netflix live-action episode can range from 40 to 75 minutes. This means the total runtime of a seven-episode live-action season could be similar to or even longer than a 12-episode anime season. It is also common for Netflix to adapt major stories across multiple seasons, as seen with One Piece and Alice in Borderland.
On social media and fan forums, reactions to the episode count are mixed. A post on a popular Facebook page about the news gathered hundreds of comments and shares. Some fans are worried the story will be rushed. One comment asked, “7 episodes only? Can that amount of episodes hold the whole story?”. Another fan expressed concern that focusing on a shorter format might lead to a bigger emphasis on the romance between Jinwoo and Cha Hae-in, potentially at the expense of the action and core survival narrative. However, others remain hopeful, trusting that the creative team can adapt the story effectively within the chosen format.
A Focus on High-End Visual Effects
In response to the challenges of adapting a fantasy series, Netflix is emphasizing a major commitment to visual effects (VFX). The streaming service has stated the Solo Leveling adaptation will be made with a top-tier global VFX team. The goal is to set a new standard for live-action anime and webtoon adaptations and avoid the visual shortcomings that have affected some past projects.
Netflix’s official promise is that the series will feature “vivid characters, dynamic action sequences, and exhilarating quests” brought to life by this world-class team. This level of investment is seen as crucial for translating the key elements of Solo Leveling into live action. The story features large-scale monster battles, magical dungeons, and Jinwoo’s evolving shadow army—all of which require convincing and high-quality special effects.
This ambitious VFX push is part of a broader strategy. Following the success of the One Piece live-action series, Netflix seems to be doubling down on creating visually spectacular adaptations that can satisfy dedicated fanbases and attract new viewers. The Solo Leveling live-action is positioned to be a flagship project in this effort.
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Release Timeline and What to Expect Next
Based on current information, fans will need to be patient. With filming scheduled to begin in April 2026, the series is still in the early stages of production. A standard production and post-production timeline, especially for a VFX-heavy series, suggests the show will likely not be ready for release until late 2027 or 2028. An official release date from Netflix is still pending.
Until then, the main source of news will be official announcements from Netflix and the production companies. Fans are awaiting confirmation on the episode count, more casting details for supporting characters, and eventually, a first look at the show through teaser images or a trailer. For now, the two seasons of the Solo Leveling anime, which cover a significant portion of the story, are available to stream on Crunchyroll.
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