News about the adaptation of Solo Leveling into a live-action film has surfaced for a while now, so this news should not come as a complete surprise.
As of now, there isn’t much information available about this adaptation. It is still unclear whether it will be a single film or a series of films, or if it will be a different animated program altogether.
However, there are indications that the film will specifically adapt the side story Solo Leveling: Ragnarok, which takes place after the events of Solo Leveling and focuses on Sung Suho (the son of Sung Jinwoo).
Fans of Solo Leveling Have Reasons to Worry About the Live-Action Adaptation
Every adaptation has its potential. However, anime fans have a long list of adaptations that failed to meet expectations. While various Hollywood films or programs based on manga have flopped (like Death Note or Dragon Ball), many live-action adaptations from Japan also fall short compared to their original manga counterparts.
For example, there are several live-action series that have received positive reception, such as Alice in Borderland, but they are still less satisfying compared to Solo Leveling, indicating that this adaptation may face challenges.
Currently, one adaptation has become a benchmark for how to successfully translate a beloved story into live-action: Netflix’s One Piece.
Compared to other live-action adaptations, One Piece has garnered more positive feedback, delighting both hardcore fans and even those who may not be familiar with the manga or anime.
What Can Solo Leveling Learn from Netflix’s One Piece?
While it may be difficult to pinpoint exactly why one adaptation succeeds over another, there are some key lessons that can be drawn from the One Piece series.
First, the author of the original manga, Eiichiro Oda, was heavily involved in the production process, working with Netflix to ensure that the essence of the manga was preserved and respected.
In the case of Solo Leveling, this means seeking input from the creators of the webtoon Ragnarok (Daul and JIN), as the author of Solo Leveling, Chugong, is not directly involved in the upcoming adaptation.
Another important lesson is securing a sufficient budget for the adaptation. One Piece is an exception in this regard, benefiting from a significant financial backing from Netflix, while Kakao should also prioritize adaptations as a top priority and invest adequately in them.
Finally, One Piece has effectively managed to adapt a simple story into a live-action format while still maintaining the rich elements of a live-action film. There is a trend where live-action adaptations often tend to overly simplify the manga (or even the anime), leading to a disconnect that can alienate fans.
In cases like this, it diminishes the original source material’s unique charm, which can result in a more “realistic” approach that can often drive fans away.
If the Solo Leveling live-action adaptation can balance the essential storytelling elements of the narrative with the vibrant energy of a live-action film, similar to how One Piece has done, it could potentially become a beloved adaptation cherished by fans.
