Solo Leveling Season 3 May Be Years Away, But the Delay Could Be a Good Thing

The popular anime Solo Leveling has become a hit title in a short time since its release in early 2024. After a successful second season that was released less than a year from the first, fans are keenly awaiting news of the next installment. However a recent industry conference indicates that the wait for Season 3 may be much longer than anticipated.

Studio Hints at Long Wait for Solo Leveling Season 3 

In a For Your Consideration screening event in California held by Crunchyroll, the producers and actors from Solo Leveling attended a Q&A. Asked about Season 3, Aniplex producer Sota Furuhashi confirmed that the series would go on but suggested that it would not resume until 2028. In a tongue-in-cheek response, he quipped "waiting until the next Olympics," sending fans online both into disappointment and sympathy.

The time between the first two seasons was roughly a year, which instilled expectations of a similarly brief wait. But considering the scope of the production, a longer hiatus seems to be in the cards — and possibly unavoidable.

Behind the Scenes: Why the Delay Might Be Needed

As per Furuhashi, the initial two seasons took more than 220,000 animation frames and nearly four years to make, beginning as early as 2021. Keeping this in view, a speedy turnaround for another season might not be possible if the studio wishes to keep its high visual standards intact.

Studio A-1 Pictures, with its reputation for handling several top-tier projects simultaneously, might be juggling resources internally as well. Although the delay might break the show's momentum, a majority believe giving the production team more time will yield a quality product. The fans cite similar anime such as Chainsaw Man and Jujutsu Kaisen, which also had long production gaps between seasons.

What's Next for the Story?

Although there is no release date, fans have already started speculating on the way the next season will go. Season 2 concluded with new characters such as the Beast and Frost Monarchs appearing, leaving fans to anticipate further developments in the storyline.

Future story arcs would involve the formation of the Ahjin Guild, the Double Dungeon enigma, and the Japan Crisis series. If adaptation is kept at the same pace, the International Guild Conference arc would also be incorporated.

Fans Left Waiting, But With Hope 

Although a three- or four-year hiatus might feel lengthy, it might be beneficial to the series in the long term. As the stakes and animation requirements rise, the production team will require time to provide an experience that meets the standards of the first two seasons.

Until now, viewers are stuck waiting — and hoping that the next installment is worth waiting. Quick release or finely honed masterpiece — do you prefer either?

Written By Manika Kayal, Intern, India Today Gaming.