Fans of the massively popular anime Solo Leveling received a glimmer of hope for a third season as Crunchyroll President Rahul Purini shared optimistic comments in a recent interview. Speaking with Deadline on Thursday, Purini addressed the future of the record-breaking series, which has captivated audiences worldwide with its thrilling action and unique gaming-inspired narrative. While no official announcement has been made, his remarks signal strong support from Crunchyroll, though timing remains a challenge due to the busy schedules of the series’ creators.
Solo Leveling, based on the Korean webtoon by Chugong and DUBU from REDICE Studio, follows Sung Jin-woo, the world’s weakest hunter, who gains the ability to “level up” through a mysterious System after a near-death experience in a high-ranking dungeon. Animated by A-1 Pictures, the series has become a global phenomenon, with Season 1 named Crunchyroll’s most-watched anime of 2024 and Season 2 dominating as the most popular anime in the first quarter of 2025. The show’s appeal, as Purini noted, lies in its gaming-inspired themes, resonating deeply with RPG and first-person shooter fans. “When people see those themes in a narrative story format like this, it is new and it is different, and it is a language they speak,” he said.
Despite the absence of a Season 3 announcement following the Solo Leveling Season 2 finale on March 29, 2025, Purini expressed enthusiasm for its potential continuation. “We hope so,” he responded when asked about the likelihood of a third season, but he cautioned that “the [series] creators want to work on a lot of shows. Anime is really popular, so there’s a lot of demand, and so we have to find the right time to get started on the next season.”
This aligns with earlier statements from A-1 Pictures producer Atsushi Kaneko and Aniplex producer Sota Furuhashi, who emphasized during a Reddit AMA on April 30, 2025, that fan support is crucial for greenlighting Season 3. They likened the effort to Dragon Ball’s “Genki-dama,” urging fans to rally behind the series.
The demand for Solo Leveling Season 3 is undeniable. The anime has shattered records, overtaking One Piece and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba to become Crunchyroll’s most-rated series, with over 594,500 ratings as of March 2025. Its first season, which ran for 12 episodes from January to April 2024, won Best New Anime at Anime Corner’s Winter 2024 Anime Awards, while Season 2, comprising 13 episodes, was voted the most anticipated show of Winter 2025. The Solo Leveling: ReAwakening movie, featuring a recap of Season 1 and the first two episodes of Season 2, further fueled excitement with its theatrical releases in Japan and North America in late 2024.
What to Expect from Solo Leveling Season 3
While Solo Leveling Season 3 has not been officially confirmed, expectations are sky-high based on the webtoon’s rich source material and the anime’s trajectory. Season 2 concluded with Sung Jin-woo’s emergence as a formidable force, setting the stage for major arcs from the manhwa, such as the Red Gate Arc and the Demon Castle Arc. Fans can anticipate even more intense battles, as Jin-woo faces stronger adversaries and delves deeper into the origins of the System that grants him his powers. The narrative is likely to expand on his role as the Shadow Monarch, introducing new allies and enemies, including powerful Monarchs and Rulers from the webtoon’s lore.
Visually, A-1 Pictures is expected to maintain the high-quality animation that defined the first two seasons, with dynamic fight sequences and detailed dungeon environments. The soundtrack, potentially featuring returning composer Hiroyuki Sawano, will likely continue to elevate the series’ epic tone. Story-wise, Season 3 could explore Jin-woo’s growing influence in the hunter world and his personal struggles, balancing his humanity with his near-godlike abilities. Based on the webtoon’s pacing, Season 3 might cover approximately 20-30 chapters, potentially spanning 12-13 episodes, though this depends on A-1 Pictures’ adaptation choices.
However, fans should temper expectations for an immediate release. With A-1 Pictures juggling multiple projects, production could take 18-24 months, pointing to a possible 2027 premiere at the earliest. Fan campaigns, as encouraged by the producers, will play a pivotal role in securing approval for the season.
The wait for Solo Leveling Season 3 may be prolonged, as A-1 Pictures is reportedly prioritizing other projects, a sentiment echoed by Sung Jin-woo’s English voice actor, Aleks Le, who noted on X that “Season 3 won’t be coming out for a while.” Despite this, Crunchyroll remains committed to the series, with Purini and the platform credited as planner and production committee member, respectively. Both seasons of Solo Leveling are available to stream on Crunchyroll in English subbed and dubbed versions, and Season 1 is set for a Blu-ray release in North America on July 22, 2025.
As the anime industry continues to grow, Solo Leveling stands out as a cultural juggernaut, blending high-octane action with a compelling underdog story. While the wait for Season 3 continues, Crunchyroll’s leadership and the series’ creators are clearly attuned to the fandom’s passion, leaving hope that Sung Jin-woo’s journey will resume when the timing aligns.
