When Netflix announced a live-action remake of a beloved anime series, the reaction among fans was far from enthusiastic. Many expressed doubt, while others were openly divided about whether such a project could ever succeed.
The series in question, Solo Leveling, follows the story of a struggling monster hunter who gradually rises to extraordinary power — a classic underdog tale. Originally published as a Korean web novel in 2016, it exploded in popularity after being adapted into an anime eight years later, drawing a passionate global following.
That deep fan love, however, has only fueled skepticism about a live-action version. “I have never had a great experience with live-action and I do not see a future or need for them to exist,” said Swedish fan Andre Denisson, echoing the concerns of many long-time anime enthusiasts.
For decades, anime has captivated audiences worldwide with its artistry, imagination, and storytelling style elements that fans often feel are impossible to replicate in live-action. Despite this, major studios, particularly in Hollywood and now global streaming giants, continue to pursue live-action adaptations in hopes of tapping into anime’s massive fan base.
Yet, history has shown that bringing anime to life on screen has rarely gone smoothly. High-profile attempts have often struggled both critically and commercially, leaving fans disappointed. Still, the appetite from streaming platforms to cash in on the genre remains strong.
The question lingers: Why has it proven so difficult to translate anime’s magic into live-action?
Live-action remakes of anime are often described as a “hit or miss”, says Ander Guerrero, an anime fan from Spain. His biggest concern is that the CGI in Netflix’s upcoming Solo Leveling remake may not capture the scale and intensity of the original. “The anime looks incredible mainly because of the fight sequences, which could be hard to replicate in live-action,” he explained.
That fear is not unfounded. Solo Leveling is packed with visually striking battles. The story is set in a world where humanity’s survival relies on “hunters” — gifted humans with supernatural abilities who fight magical monsters emerging from mysterious portals known as “gates.”
Most hunters are bound by fixed abilities that never change. But the protagonist, Sung Jin-woo, begins the story as the world’s weakest hunter, often mocked as mankind’s “weakest weapon.” After a near-death experience, however, he gains a unique power: the ability to continually “level up” and grow stronger with each battle — a twist that fuels his epic rise.
The anime’s blend of gripping narrative and breathtaking visuals quickly won over audiences worldwide. In fact, it surpassed even fan-favorite series like Demon Slayer and One Piece, becoming the most-watched series in the history of Crunchyroll, Sony’s global anime streaming platform.
Many fans remain unconvinced that Netflix can deliver the adaptation they are hoping for. Ander Guerrero believes audiences watching the live-action version of Solo Leveling “will not get the same experience.” He worries it will end up as “a half-baked story” with missing plot points and diluted impact.
Adapting anime into live action has always been a formidable creative challenge. Studios must strike a difficult balance: staying true to the expectations of a passionate, discerning fan base while also trying to broaden the appeal to new viewers.
But it’s not just about casting choices or big-budget production. Tone is everything, argues Geoff Thew, an anime reviewer behind the popular YouTube channel Mother’s Basement, which has nearly 1.4 million subscribers.
“Things that work, dramatically and aesthetically, in the heightened reality of animation don’t always translate to live action,” Thew explains. The risk, he adds, is that while the most iconic moments of the anime may not work on screen in the same way, any creative changes still have to remain instantly recognizable to loyal fans.
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