'Solo Leveling' theatrical anime film confirmed, first revealed at Anime Expo in LA

"Solo Leveling" is heading to the big screen, with a theatrical anime film set to reach fans worldwide.

Kakao Entertainment announced Monday that production has been confirmed for "Solo Leveling: Beyond the System," a theatrical anime adaptation of the global mega-hit intellectual property.

"Solo Leveling" is an action fantasy following Sung Jin-woo, once considered humanity's weakest hunter, as he rises to become the most powerful through an extraordinary leveling ability. The franchise has recorded a combined 14.3 billion views across its webtoon and web novel, making it one of the highest-performing single IPs in the world.

Both seasons of the anime scored back-to-back global hits, and the series won awards at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards — the world's largest anime awards ceremony — for two consecutive years, in 2025 and 2026.

The film serves as an official sequel to the 2025 anime "Solo Leveling: Arise from the Shadow" and will be produced by A-1 Pictures.

The announcement was first made July 3 (local time) at Anime Expo in Los Angeles.

A teaser visual and preview footage released at the event drew a strong response from fans, featuring new imagery of protagonist Sung Jin-woo and his Shadow Army appearing in the real world, as well as a determined Sung Jin-woo on the eve of a new battle. Detailed information on the release schedule and countries of distribution will be announced at a later date.

"Solo Leveling has proven the global potential of Korean story IPs by expanding beyond web novels and webtoons into anime, games, drama series and more," a Kakao Entertainment official said. "The confirmation of this theatrical film is the result of continued support from fans worldwide and the sustained success of the anime." The official added that the company will continue working to bring new entertainment to global fans, drawing on the strength of "Solo Leveling" and Kakao Entertainment's broader IP lineup.