Solo Leveling, the blockbuster anime adaptation of Chugong’s manhwa, has solidified its status as one of A-1 Pictures’ finest works, captivating millions with its stunning visuals and Sung Jinwoo’s gripping journey. With Season 2 concluding on March 30, 2025, and amassing over 700,000 user reviews on Crunchyroll, anticipation for Season 3 is at an all-time high. However, comments from Aniplex producer Sota Furuhashi have sparked concerns that fans may face a lengthy wait—potentially until 2026 or even 2028—for the next chapter. This article explores Furuhashi’s remarks, the factors behind potential delays, and the most likely timeline for Solo Leveling Season 3.
Solo Leveling FYC Q&A Highlights
During a QNA discussion featured in a YouTube video by Mama’s Geeky, on May 2, 2025, The discussion was joined by Sota Furuhashi (Producer @Aniplex), Atsushi Kaneko (A-1 Pictures), Kanako Takahashi (Crunchyroll), Aleks Le (Sung Jinwoo‘s English VA), and Michelle Rojas (Cha Hae-in’s English VA) in this engaging discussion moderated by TheWrap’s Raquel Harris.
Sota Furuhashi addressed the prospect of Solo Leveling Season 3. Highlighting the immense effort behind the first two seasons, which required 220,000 frames of animation, Furuhashi suggested fans might need to wait “until the next Olympics” for the next season. He stated,
“I think more than anyone, I am anxiously awaiting a Season 3! But in truth, between Season 1 and Season 2, 220,000 frames of animation were created. And of course, I’d love to give the animators a little breathing room. So, if it were up to me, I’d say let’s wait until the next Olympics to see what’s going to happen with a Season 3. But to get to that 220,001st frame of animation, I think that’s more up to Kaneko-san and A-1 Pictures.”
Sota Furuhashi
The reference to “the next Olympics” has caused confusion, as it’s unclear whether Furuhashi meant the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina or the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The ambiguity has led to rampant speculation, with some fans and outlets, like ScreenRant, leaning toward 2026 based on the series’ release pattern—Season 1 in January 2024 and Season 2 in January 2025.
Others, amplified by X posts from @animecornernews, fear a 2028 delay, citing Furuhashi’s emphasis on giving animators “breathing room.” Importantly, Furuhashi’s phrasing suggests the decision rests with A-1 Pictures and animation producer Atsushi Kaneko, indicating his comment reflects a personal preference rather than a confirmed schedule.
Why Season 3 Could Face Delays
Furuhashi’s remarks align with broader industry challenges, as noted by Crunchyroll President Rahul Purini in a May 1, 2025, Deadline interview. Purini acknowledged that Season 3’s production hinges on the availability of A-1 Pictures’ creators, who are in high demand due to anime’s surging popularity. He stated,
“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.”
Rahul Purini
Several factors contribute to potential delays of solo leveling season 3:
- Intense Production Demands: The 220,000 frames for Seasons 1 and 2 underscore Solo Leveling’s labor-intensive animation, with dynamic fight scenes and intricate shadow effects requiring significant time. Kaneko previously noted that each episode takes 10–12 months to produce, plus additional time for localization, such as dubbing in multiple languages.
- Director’s Commitments: Director Shunsuke Nakashige, whose vision elevated the series, is reportedly tied up with other projects, including Fate/Strange Fake. His availability is critical, as a new director could alter the series’ tone, though A-1 Pictures has navigated such transitions successfully in the past.
- Studio Juggling Multiple Projects: A-1 Pictures is balancing other high-profile series, such as Aldnoah.Zero (Re+), which may strain resources. This mirrors industry trends, as seen with Chainsaw Man, which won’t see its movie until September 2025, and Jujutsu Kaisen, with no Season 3 news despite a 2025 compilation film.
- Fan-Driven Model: Producers have emphasized that Season 3’s fate depends on fan support, likened to Dragon Ball’s “Genki-dama” in a May 1, 2025, Reddit AMA. While fan enthusiasm is strong, studios may delay production to assess demand, adding uncertainty.
These challenges reflect the broader anime industry, where even major hits face extended gaps due to high production costs and studio workloads. For Solo Leveling, maintaining A-1 Pictures’ signature quality—evident in Season 2’s Jeju Island Arc—may necessitate a longer timeline.
Why 2028 Is Unlikely
Despite the 2028 speculation, several factors suggest Solo Leveling Season 3 will arrive sooner:
- Unprecedented Popularity: With record-breaking viewership and ratings surpassing One Piece on Crunchyroll, Solo Leveling is a financial powerhouse. The sold-out theatrical run of Solo Leveling: ReAwakening in late 2024 further proves its marketability. A four-year gap risks losing fan momentum, as CBR noted, making 2026 or 2027 more strategic.
- Ample Source Material: The manhwa, completed at 179 chapters plus a 21-chapter epilogue, offers enough content for two more seasons, with Season 2 ending around Chapter 110. This eliminates adaptation bottlenecks, unlike series awaiting new manga chapters.
- Crunchyroll’s Investment: Purini’s support for Season 3, coupled with Crunchyroll’s strategy to leverage gaming-inspired anime like Ghost of Tsushima, suggests a commitment to keeping Solo Leveling active. A 2028 delay would counter their goal of capitalizing on the series’ peak popularity.
- Furuhashi’s Caveat: Furuhashi’s comment was conditional—“if it were up to me”—and deferred to A-1 Pictures, indicating flexibility. His focus on animator rest is standard industry rhetoric, not a firm timeline.
Most Likely Release Timeline
Based on Furuhashi’s comment and industry patterns, a 2026 release appears most plausible, likely targeting the Winter Olympics in February 2026 rather than 2028. The back-to-back releases of Season 1 (January 2024) and Season 2 (January 2025) were possible because they were produced as a single 25-episode batch. Season 3, requiring fresh production, will take longer, but a late 2026 premiere—potentially September or December—aligns with the 20-month gaps seen in series like Demon Slayer. Forbes and Radio Times support this estimate, citing A-1 Pictures’ efficiency and the series’ priority status.
An earlier January 2026 release is less likely due to Nakashige’s commitments and the need for pre-production, but a compilation film, similar to ReAwakening, could bridge the gap in early 2026. If delays mount, a Winter 2027 premiere becomes possible, though 2028 remains an outlier unless unforeseen issues arise. Announcements may come at major events like AnimeJapan or Jump Festa in 2025 or 2026, with teasers potentially dropping by mid-2025.
What to Expect from Season 3
Solo Leveling Season 3 is expected to cover the Recruitment Arc or Ahjin Guild Arc, picking up from Chapter 111. Sung Jinwoo, now a Shadow Monarch, will face new adversaries like National-Level Hunter Thomas Andre and Hwang Dongsoo, while unraveling mysteries about the System and Monarchs. Fans can anticipate A-1 Pictures’ signature high-octane battles, with new shadow soldiers and Jinwoo’s growing power taking center stage. A theatrical film to conclude the series, akin to Demon Slayer’s Infinity Castle trilogy, is also possible, given the manhwa’s remaining 90+ chapters.
Conclusion: A Wait, But Not Until 2028
Sota Furuhashi’s Olympics remark has fueled fears of a 2028 release for Solo Leveling Season 3, but the series’ massive popularity, ample source material, and Crunchyroll’s backing point to a more likely late 2026 or early 2027 premiere. While production challenges and Nakashige’s availability may delay the series, A-1 Pictures’ commitment to quality ensures Season 3 will be worth the wait. Fans should keep the “Genki-dama” energy alive by engaging online and monitoring official channels for news. For now, Jinwoo’s battles await on Crunchyroll, ready to reignite the hype for Season 3.
