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In this podcast: the Star Wars film – Solo – that hit major production problems. Plus, a huge interview with the Russo brothers too.

For Star Wars spin-off Solo: A Star Wars Story, it wasn’t supposed to be like this. Infamously, 90 days into photography, parent company Lucasfilm opted for a director change. Out when Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, and in came Ron Howard. And Howard had less than year to retool the movie, and shoot a whole lot of new footage.

It remains one of the most infamous Film Stories of the 2010s.

For the second half of the episode, Simon is joined by filmmakers Joe and Anthony Russo, for a long chat about their career, their new film – The Electric State – and a strange film magazine of the 1970s…

The post Podcast | Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018), plus the Russo brothers appeared first on Film Stories.

The following contains spoilers for the Solo Leveling manhwa.

Sung Jinwoo levels up astronomically quickly in Solo Leveling, taking him from a lowly E-Rank to an S-Rank Hunter at the pinnacle of strength in society. While the S Rank Hunters in Jinwoo’s homeland of South Korea were once like giants on an unreachable mountain top, the System has allowed Jinwoo to climb that mountain and stand beside them as peers. As the Jeju Island Raid commences in Solo Leveling Season 2, Episode 10, fans will get to know the S Ranks of South Korea more than ever.

Hunter Rankings are fairly well-defined from Ranks E to A, but everything changes when a person awakens as an S-Rank. In Solo Leveling, S Rank simply means that a Hunter’s mana is immeasurable using any technology available to the Hunter’s Association. While that shows how much more powerful an S-Rank is than any other Hunter,...

Solo Levelingstars not just Jin-woo Sung, but also Cha Hae-in as an incredibly powerful hunter tasked with fighting monsters in the dungeons. Even if Cha Hae-in doesn't have unlimited level-up potential like Jin-woo, she is still a top-tier fighter and has earned her S rank. Cha Hae-in boasts mastery of the sword, super strength and speed, and incredible agility and endurance, making her a match for even the nastiest critters found in those dungeons.

Cha Hae-in's overwhelming skill and power in battle also means she is ready to take on an assortment of fighters from other anime universes to prove herself worthy of S-rank all over again. Cha wouldn't last long against overwpoered character who can bend reality or control time, but if her enemies rely on physical combat such as swordplay or fists, Cha is bound to win. If Cha commits her full strength to the fight, she can...

The following contains spoilers for the Solo Leveling manhwa and for Solo Leveling Season 2, Episode 10, "We Need a Hero".

It’s been a common point of contention among the Solo Leveling fandom that Sung Jinwoo is not the same person in the anime as he was in the manhwa. The differences were very subtle in Season 1, but it's all built up near the end of Season 2 to provide a much different picture of Solo Leveling’s main character from the manhwa. The anime has seemingly gone to great lengths to make its version of Jinwoo a more human, more relatable character, deviating from the mamhwa’s depiction of an edgier, darker lead protagonist. Never has that departure seemed more obvious than in Solo Leveling Season 2, Episode 10, "We Need a Hero".

By removing one of Jinwoo’s darkest scenes from the manhwa, the Solo Leveling anime has effectively confirmed its goal...

Solo Leveling Season 2 has been shaking things up in the fan world, with each episode delivering action-packed fight sequences and mind-blowing power-ups for Sung Jinwoo. The ninth installment of the series, however, took a different route, by emphasizing emotional intensity over flashy fights.

Sung Jinwoo’s emotional reunion with his mother. | Credit: A-1 Pictures

While one group of fans enjoyed the tearful reunion between Jinwoo and his mother, Park Kyung-Hye, others were irritated at the skipping of an anticipated fight scene from the manhwa. However, if you look closely, this episode acted as a bridge between arcs, leading up to the much-awaited Jeju Island storyline and that is why this emotional scene was very crucial. Let’s see how.

Sung Jinwoo’s journey: More than just power

Solo Leveling is all about Sung Jinwoo transforming from being the weakest hunter to a straight-up powerhouse. Each battle made Jinwoo much, much stronger,...

With a popular web novel on the internet and two anime seasons to its name, Solo Levelinghas fans hungry for more. In between episodes of the current anime season, enthusiastic Solo Leveling fans searching for manga and anime adventures that scratch the same itch have plenty of options. Solo Leveling-style manga adventures involve video game combat systems, fighting monsters, and overpowered heroes.

Combinations of these elements often form deeply compelling narratives, even if it's unbelievable and gratuitous to see heroes like Jin-woo Sung slaughter scores of fantasy monsters as viewers cheer them on. Manga similar to Solo Leveling tend to feature the same gratuitous, sometimes surprisingly deep, and always highly entertaining narratives. As a bonus, these manga also vary in their tone, from action romps to grim dark adventures where the hero must fight inner monsters as well as dragons or goblins.

Gantz is Solo Leveling With a Sci-Fi...

The following contains spoilers for Solo Leveling Season 2, Episode 10, "We Need a Hero".

Solo Leveling's latest episode comes at a time when the anime truly needs a hero of its own. Following an episode which effectively divided the fandom, Season 2, Episode 10 (Episode 22 overall), “We Need a Hero”, seeks to set things back in order. With plenty of action and significant attention paid to the supporting cast, Solo Leveling is looking to shift the conversation away from Jinwoo's now-infamous crying scene by providing fan-service fights that pay the bills. Solo Leveling Season 2, Episode 10 isn’t a groundbreaking moment for the anime by any means, and it doesn’t quite take the risks that its previous episode did, but it’s a solid lead-in to the anime’s biggest arc that's sure to dry the previous episode's tears.

Solo Leveling Season 2, Episode 10 picks up after what was arguably the most cathartic moment in the series.

When it comes to legendary anime fight sequences, one cannot forget the influence Dragon Ball has on it. However, it must be mentioned that now Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is also redefining how a strong protagonist fights their battle.

Frieren from Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End [Credits: Madhouse]

If the battle between Goku and Frieza represents endurance and raw power, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End fights emphasize mastery of magic and strategy. This is because Frieren always picks battles after judging the consequences, unlike Goku or even Vegeta.

If Frieren really wishes to take on strong opponents, a battle between her and Serie could happen. But that is not going to take place in the end because of how differently Frieren and those around her think.

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End can have more compelling battles Serie from Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End [Credits: Madhouse]

The battle between Goku and Frieza is legendary because of the stakes of the fight.

The following contains spoilers for the Solo Leveling manhwa.

Solo Leveling is truly on top of the shonen anime game, and it doesn’t seem to be losing that spot anytime soon. This puts Solo Leveling in great company, as Akira Toriyama's iconic martial arts series Dragon Ball is itself the undisputed king of shonen manga even 40 years after it was first serialized in Shonen Jump magazine. Other than the fact they’re both considered shonen series that focus heavily on battles, the overall tone and themes of Solo Leveling are dramatically different than those of Dragon Ball. That said, Dragon Ball's influence on Sung Jinwoo's story is quite apparent when looking closer at Season 2's best fight so far.

In particular, Sung Jinwoo’s fight against the Demon Monarch Baran draws heavily from one of Dragon Ball Z’s most memorable moments. Like the Demon's Castle arc in Solo Leveling,...

Seeing the protagonist’s family members in an anime is usually the biggest red flag for fans. Solo Leveling might have changed that perception a little bit with its latest episode. Instead of fear, the appearance of Sung Jinwoo’s mother and sister brought heartwarming joy to fans. Jinwoo and Jinah’s reunion with their mother was a reminder that anime families can also have happy endings.

Sung Jinwoo acquires the Elixir of Life in Solo Leveling anime | Credits: Studio A-1 Pictures

The entire episode was a whirlwind of emotions, and some fans believe that it’s even better than the most shocking plot twist of Demon Slayer. While both fandoms can argue endlessly on that subject, there were some things Solo Leveling definitely executed better.

Demon Slayer got nothing against this Solo Leveling scene

In the latest episode of Solo Leveling, Sung Jinwoo finally acquired the Elixir of Life...

There have already been a few cinematic looks at the famed 2018 Tham Luang cave rescue that saved 12 young Thai soccer players and their coach. First, “Free Solo” Oscar winners Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin helmed National Geographic documentary “The Rescue.” Then, Ron Howard directed the 2022 biographical drama “Thirteen Lives,” starring Viggo Mortensen, Colin Farrell, and Joel Edgerton.

Now, another documentary about what happened to one of the heroes after the media storm of 2018 enters the fray.

“Deeper,” which will premiere at the 2025 SXSW Film & TV Festival in the Documentary Spotlight section, centers on anesthetist Dr. Richard Harris, whose technique was key to extracting the stranded teen soccer players one by one. (Harris was portrayed by Joel Edgerton in “Thirteen Lives.”)

Jennifer Peedom writes and directs the documentary, with Alex Barry co-directing. “Deeper” is produced by Blayke Hoffman. Subject Harris executive produces the film and is credited as the underwater...

Spoiler Alert !!!Spoilers from Solo Leveling manhwa

A-1 Pictures’ Solo Leveling anime series recently saw the conclusion of the Return of the Demon Castle arc, and the story is gearing up for the Jeju Island arc, which, as Manhwa fans might know, is one of the most significant arcs in the series. The arc not only introduces new characters and plots but it also leads to a huge amount of destruction.

Solo Leveling Anime Series | Credit: A-1 Pictures

In fact, the Jeju Island arc might see the death of a huge number of hunters against the monstrous ants, their queen, and their dangerously powerful king. The strength of the ants is reflected in the fact that they are even able to deal with some of the S-Rank Hunters in Solo Leveling and are even capable of killing some of them.

However, all of these upcoming casualties within the Solo Leveling...

The following contains spoilers for Solo Leveling Season 2, Episode 9, "It Was All Worth It."

Sung Jinwoo’s newfound power as an S Rank Hunter in Solo Leveling came with a lot of perks, but it also comes with responsibilities. Jinwoo is nothing new to that kind of responsibility, as he took it upon himself to become the head of his household from a young age, and even successfully cured his mother’s Eternal Sleep Disease in an unprecedented achievement beyond the capabilities of modern medicine. However, Solo Leveling Season 2, Episode 10 (Episode 22 overall), “We Need a Hero”, will highlight how the responsibility associated with his newfound power extends far beyond just his inner circle of family and friends.

Sung Jinwoo’s struggle to grow stronger throughout Solo Leveling was never just a shallow endeavor. While the physical strength and financial stability associated with becoming an S Rank Hunter was important, Sung...

Shonen as a genre is very tricky if we come to think about the fanbase. One wrong move and fans go with all guns blazing. The fan community in the past few years has gained notoriety for the toxicity and hate culture. But this time, they hit a new low in every sense.

Sung Jinwoo levels up during his fight against Baran | Credit: A-1 Pictures

Solo Leveling in particular proved why shonen fans don’t deserve good things. No matter how excellent a series is, the toxic fanatics devalue it nonetheless. This move stirred the pot for the worse among the fandom. But it also raises concerns regarding the rise of toxicity within the anime fandoms.

Solo Leveling Episode-9 sparks controversy among fans

Solo Leveling’s popularity and acclaim is a mere understatement considering its influence on the manhwa and anime industry on the whole. The series is making waves each day with its brilliance.

Global pop superstar Jennie’s debut studio album, Ruby, has officially crossed 450,000 worldwide pre-orders ahead of its March 7 release, Columbia Records said on Tuesday.

The 15-track album – released through a partnership with the label she founded, Oddatelier, and Columbia Records – is by far the 29-year-old’s most extensive body of work to-date. Ruby features collaborations with Childish Gambino, Doechii, Dominic Fike, Dua Lipa and Kali Uchis. Jennie, who rose to international fame as a member of the K-Pop supergroup Blackpink, was the first of the four-member girl group to release a solo track with her 2018 single, “Solo.”

The singer has released three singles from the upcoming album, each showcasing a different side of herself. Jennie released “Mantra,” a pure fun pop track in line with her 2023 release “You and Me,” in October 2024 before dropping “Love Hangover” featuring Dominic Fike in January 2025 and “ExtraL” featuring Grammy-winning rapper Doechii in February. Ruby’s second track,...

The long-awaited anime adaptation of The Beginning After the End (Tbate) is soon going to be out. The trailer raised our expectations, and the anime is going to premiere on April 2, 2025. This is supposed to be a good thing, as the sooner, the better.

Devil May Cry is also dropping in April | Credits: Netflix

But for the series, it means a tough fight is nigh. Why? Because Lazarus of Shinichiro Watanabe and Adi Shankar’s Devil May Cry are dropping in the very same week.

One of them is from a legendary creator, while the other is an adaptation of a global hit video game. The Beginning After the End is definitely famous as well, but it needs to perform exceptionally well if it does not wish to be left behind biting the dust.

This April is full for Shonen fans

The Beginning After the End is highly anticipated because...

This article contains spoilers for the Solo Leveling manhwa.

Solo Leveling Season 2 is all set to adapt one of the manhwa’s most crucial arcs. In the latest episode, both Japan and Korea have come together to launch another assault on Jeju Island to nip the evil in the bud. From this point on, the political stance and context play an important role in Solo Leveling’s lore. However, with real-life complexities between Japan and Korea, the anime adaptation has suffered heavy censorship, drawing criticism from fans for diluting the story’s message.

Unfortunately, such modifications risk softening the elements and strengthening inconsistency, which can ultimately harm the narrative. The location and name change could have worked to some extent at this point, but with Japan and Korea being key players in the upcoming arcs, the continued filtering can ruin the overall experience.

Solo Leveling Is Becoming a Target of...

Ever since Solo Levelingpremiered last year, my eyes were glued to the screen as I witnessed Jinwoo's journey from E-Rank to overpowered S-Rank. The anime series did a great job of setting up all the necessary pieces that pulled audiences in week after week. Everyone wanted to see how Jinwoo was going to get stronger in order to find a cure to save his mother from Eternal Sleep, an illness that many civilians came down with after the Gates appeared.

Yet what started off as a great series with emotional and life or death stakes has slowly morphed into a flashy fighting anime, where the only thing more certain than Jinwoo's God-like abilities is the story's extinct emotional depth. What makes this so utterly disappointing is knowing that Solo Leveling has what it takes to not just be an anime with top-tier visuals, but one with a great story to boot.

This article discusses events from the latest episodes of Solo Leveling and will contain spoilers.

A-1 Pictures' Solo Leveling is the hottest anime of 2025 thus far, sporting thrilling action and starring a protagonist with more hype behind him than his deadliest enemies can handle. Anime fans can't get enough of Sung Jinwoo because his journey is the ultimate underdog story. Thanks to a mountain of epic and heart-racing victories, he rose from zero to hero in the blink of an eye.

While Solo Leveling details a fascinating climb toward the top of the food chain, however, the hype and glory hide some rather dark truths about the world that Jinwoo lives in. He might make it look easy, but Jinwoo received a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to change his destiny. The hardest pill to swallow is that Solo Leveling's world is merciless, and not everyone can survive without the help of "the system.

Solo Leveling has captured the attention of fans across the world with its excellent visuals, fast-paced story, and thrilling narrative; it shows no signs of stopping.

A still from Solo Leveling season 2 | Credit: A-1 Pictures

It moves toward its highly anticipated Jeju Island Raid arc, which is probably one of the best arcs in the entire series and the one in which Sung Jinwoo gains the recognition of Hunters and people across the world (South Korea as well).

But there is one little hiccup that is not so minor that may impede this arc, and it is the one with Japan’s involvement to take advantage of the South Korean Hunters. This might lead to tensions between the countries, considering that Solo Leveling also has many fans in Japan.

Goto Ryuji’s downfall instead of a political rivalry

To faithfully adapt a work into anime is the duty of the anime production team,...

You have to admit it, Solo Leveling has so far been pushing the boundary of coolness and it fits perfectly as a top new-gen shonen, rivaling other modern anime, and even surpassing them. And now with Season 2, Studio A-1 Pictures has taken the game to a whole new level.

Sung Jinwoo in Solo Leveling Season 2 | Credit: A-1 Pictures

However, Solo Leveling has one major issue that people finally noticed in the anime, which was already apparent in the manhwa. It was during the Demon Castle arc that it first felt like there were no stakes! Jinwoo is just too powerful for any other threat to be considered a threat.

The biggest issue with Solo Leveling – Power-creeping!

For a lot of manhwa, as well as anime fans, the Demon Castle arc in Solo Leveling was a bit of a letdown. Why so? Jinwoo has been power-creeped a bit too much!

A...

The following contains spoilers for the Solo Leveling manhwa.

Sung Jinwoo is far from a traditionally heroic character in the Solo Leveling manhwa. He’s often akin to a dark antihero who saves the day due to its alignment with his own personal values, but who isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty and even commit morally questionable acts to those he deems deplorable or antithetical to his personal brand of justice. The anime has made an attempt to humanize Jinwoo a bit more, making him feel more sympathetic amid his questionable deeds and regrettable actions. Along those same lines, one character who veers more toward the evil side of the spectrum emerges as an unlikely hero during one of Solo Leveling’s most memorable arcs in place of Jinwoo himself.

The Jeju Island Raid is a great story arc due to its intriguing and shocking political plot twists.

The following contains spoilers for the Solo Leveling manhwa.

Sung Jinwoo’s unprecedented ability to level up in Solo Leveling allows him to grow to unbelievable heights at a pace most other anime protagonists could only dream of. Despite starting the series as a lowly E Rank Hunter, Jinwoo swiftly grows to the level of an S Rank early in Season 2, making him one of the ten strongest Hunters in his entire country. Jinwoo’s physical strength and speed is already something to behold, but what truly differentiates him from any other Hunter is his necromancy skill, Shadow Extraction, which allows him to raise any enemy he defeats to become one of his undead minions.

By the halfway point of Solo Leveling Season 2, Jinwoo is not only one of Korea’s most powerful Hunters individually, he leads an army of extremely strong Shadow Soldiers, as well. It’s these abilities...

Season 2 of Solo Leveling has rewarded us with some of the best fight scenes and visual treats. A-1 Pictures has proved that it doesn’t have to be a top-tier studio to do justice to an anime. Episode 9 also showcased the more emotional and personal side.

Sung Jinwoo from Solo Leveling. [Credit: A-1 Pictures]

The protagonist isn’t a one-dimensional, cold hunter. Solo Leveling fans forget that he does have a pretty sad backstory. His mother, Park Kyunghye, fell victim to Eternal Slumber 4 years before the story’s start. Jinwoo had to take care of his sister by himself.

In Season 2, Episode 9, he finally procures the Holy Water of Life. After all that suffering, he cured his mother of the Eternal Slumber, and she woke up from her coma. It shows a deeply innocent side of Jinwoo’s character. Some fans, however, seem to dislike the episode for this.

Sung Jinwoo’s character...

Spoiler Alert !!!This article contains spoilers for Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 9.

I have been seeing a lot of negative remarks and lower ratings for this episode of Solo Leveling, and I cannot seem to understand why. The way the story has gone, it shouldn’t be surprising that Sung Jinwoo will be balling his eyes out when his mother wakes up from the mana equivalent of a lifelong coma. This is a guy who was being pushed around and humiliated because he was the Weakest Hunter of Mankind.

Sung Jinwoo from Solo Leveling | Credit: A-1 Pictures

He could have quit at any moment and found a mundane job, but he didn’t. Instead, he endured all of that and kept going, getting bruised and thrashed at on a daily basis because of one reason alone; his family. He got up every day for the sake of his sister and mother.

Solo Leveling is a magnificent tale that isn’t just a story but a spectacle. It is a level of thrill and hype that the viewers love. Each time the weak protagonist defies the odds and manages to clutch up a victory, it is a high that entrances the viewers.

Sung Jinwoo and Igris in a still from the anime | Credit: A-1 Studios

With every episode, Sung Jinwoo grows a bit stronger and impresses the crowds a little bit more. The same was the case with the manhwa(webtoon), as each panel was meant to aura farm and awe the readers.

This is alright to some extent, but when the story and the narrative are compromised for the sake of the hype, then it crosses a line.

The High Orcs mystery: Why are they red?

For the sake of convenience and awe, adding details or elements without proper consideration could...

Spoiler Alert !!!Solo Leveling manhwa chapter 105 spoilers

Solo Leveling anime has already begun the Jeju Island arc, and fans are witnessing one revolutionary battle after another. The tide is shaky, but Jinwoo will soon achieve something that most hunters can only dream of. And that moment is what webtoon fans are craving to see in the anime.

Jinwoo has been slowly building up his powers bit by bit. The Demon Castle has also helped him plenty. But he is yet to cross one milestone, that will soon be animated. And when it does, Solo Leveling will once again break the Internet.

The most coveted Solo Leveling Jeju Island scene Jinwoo reaching level 100 is a crucial point in Solo Leveling | Credits: D&c Media

Solo Leveling is full of one grand scheme after another. Throughout the series, Jinwoo gets so many hyped moments that it’s hard to keep count of them.

The following contains spoilers for Solo Leveling Season 2, Episode 9, "It Was All Worth It".

Solo Leveling Season 2 has already proven to be even better than the first, but that should come as no surprise to fans of the source material. The fights, story and world building improves dramatically in Solo Leveling’s later arcs, and Season 2 adapts some of the most popular parts of the manhwa. Solo Leveling Season 2, Episode 9 (Episode 21 overall), “It Was All Worth It”, marks the end of one beloved arc and the official start of the most highly anticipated arc of Season 2 by far. While Episode 21 is one of the weakest episodes in the season, it moves the anime through a slower section with the promise that it’ll all be worth it in the end.

Solo Leveling Episode 20 was the epic finale of the Demon’s Castle arc, with the big fight against Baran tossing...

Solo Leveling is one of the most popular video game-influenced anime today. Yet, many isekai anime also heavily incorporate the gaming element. Several video game-based isekai anime are perfect for Solo Leveling fans looking for a new series, like Infinite Dendrogram. Although Infinite Dendrogram isn't as intense as Solo Leveling, it has much of the action the audience loves.

While many believe the gaming isekai anime market has become over-saturated, a few series stand out because of their uniqueness. Beloved anime like Overlord have become more than just simple isekai. The protagonist, Ainz Ooal Gown, has to role-play his way to success and eventually become the fearless ruler he's been pretending to be.

I've Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years' Azusa is as Over-Powered as Solo Leveling's Jinwoo Streaming on Crunchyroll

After years of hard and dedicated work, Azusa Aizawa suddenly passes away at her desk. When she opens her eyes again,...

Contrary to popular belief, white liberal arts students protesting President Trump through interpretive dance isn’t “woke” — that’s just what The Man wants you to think.

The phrase “stay woke” first entered the public lexicon through the recordings of influential folk and blues singer Lead Belly with his 1938 song “The Scottsboro Boys.” Later, in the current century, the genre-spanning Erykah Badu brought the phrase back into pop culture’s consciousness through her own music, and when the Black Lives Matter movement emerged in the mid-2010s, “stay woke” became a popular warning among BLM supporters that reminded them to be vigilant in spotting racial discrimination.

Then, Childish Gambino released his hit single “Redbone” in 2016, and white college students everywhere stole the word “woke,” over-used it in Tumblr rants and Twitter fights, and turned it into a punchline on the left and curse word on the right that now pejoratively...

As the Bond franchise heads to the online giant, thriller author William Boyd foresees a slew of spin-offs and says AI is not a threat to human screenwriters

Among the people best placed to predict how any James Bond of the future might look is a British writer with a strong feel for spies and for spying. William Boyd has been drawn back to the terrain repeatedly in his books. What’s more, he wrote his own official Bond novel, Solo, in 2013.

Now Amazon has picked up the rights to the character, Boyd foresees a succession of 007 spin-off products and entertainments. Perhaps even be new AI-generated novels? “Certainly wait for Bond aftershave – and for the theme park and the dinner jackets,” he said. “The new owners will have to commodify everything about their billion-dollar purchase, so there will be nightclubs and vodkas.”...

When initially announced that J Balvin would be doing the voice of Tusk in the English version of Solo Leveling, fans were worried. The globally renowned reggaeton artist had never done voice acting for anime previously, so his casting was unexpected. While the promotional push behind his involvement suggested it was going to be a major selling point, the reality of his performance told a different story.

A scene from Solo Leveling Season 2. | Credit: A-1 Pictures

Some of the fans struggled even to understand the lines of Tusk in the dub, leading to widespread complaints. Even some of the experienced dub watchers had to put on closed captions. Rather than raising the dub, J Balvin’s performance turned out to be one of its greatest flaws, leading to discussions about how Solo Leveling‘s English version could recover from the damage.

Aleks Le: Can he save Solo Leveling‘s dub reputation?...

Spoiler Alert !!!Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 9

Ever since the Solo Leveling anime series started, fans have been in awe of Sung Jinwoo’s character as a protagonist. He has proven himself to be a great main character, but there are still a few things about him that fans have criticized since the first season of the series. Among those criticisms, the biggest one is about his lack of emotions in the story.

Sung Jinwoo in Solo Leveling Season 2 | Credit: A-1 Pictures

Sung Jinwoo is the ideal protagonist who is constantly working hard to become stronger, but in his journey, he has never shown his vulnerable side. In fact, in the manhwa, he has even committed some morally conflicting activities that have made fans question his character development in Solo Leveling.

However, it looks like this problem has been solved by the anime. According to the leaks of the upcoming Solo Leveling episode,...

The following contains spoilers for the Solo Leveling manhwa.

Sung Jinwoo has literally climbed his way to the top in Solo Leveling in more ways than one. He went from being considered the weakest E-Rank Hunter in all mankind, to being one of the strongest Hunters in all of Korea unbelievably quickly, gaining the respect of his fellow Hunters and the admiration of the public. However, it’s arguable that the most impressive climb he accomplished was in Season 2, Episode 8 (Episode 20 overall), “Looking Up Was Tiring Me Out”, when he finally reached the top of the Demon’s Castle and defeated its boss, The Demon Monarch Baran.

The Demon’s Castle has been a staple of Jinwoo’s journey pretty much ever since he first reawakened as a Player of the System following his near-death experience in the Double Dungeon. In Solo Leveling Episode 7, Jinwoo went above and beyond in...

Update 02/28/2025: Combined version and accompanying video added. As their second seasons continue to air, the twin-blade twins of Solo Leveling and Shangri-La Frontier have taken it to the next level by exchanging their weapons of choice in a set of visuals shared on each anime's respective X (formerly Twitter) accounts today. Both posts featured "Now, the hunt begins" as the caption. Solo Leveling x Shangri-La Frontier Collab Visuals A combined version and an accompanying video were later released, with the former featuring the tagline, "Can you keep up with our level?" Related: The Most Hype Moments of Solo Leveling So Far Based on the web novel by Chugong, Shunsuke Nakashige directs Solo Leveling at studio A-1 Pictures, with series composition by Noboru Kimura ( Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture ), character designs by Tomoko Sudo ( Alice in Borderland ) and music by Hiroyuki Sawano ( Attack on Titan ). Crunchyroll describes the story:...

With the word that Kathleen Kennedy may be retiring from Lucasfilm, the key question is, what is happening to Star Wars now?

Kathleen Kennedy can be a divisive figure, to say the least, for Star Wars fans. And given this is one of the most infamously divisive fandoms in the world, that's saying something. 

Since Disney bought Lucasfilm in 2012, Kathleen Kennedy has been the boss and guiding force for the various franchises. It led to Star Wars hitting new heights in both theaters and TV screens and the merchandising a boon for Disney. Under Kennedy, we've gotten Andor, The Mandalorian, Galaxy's Edge, and a spark of life the franchise long needed.

At the same time, Kennedy has become the target of scorn and derision by some parts of the fandom. It's ranged from the quality of the sequel trilogy to reports of her clashes with various writers and directors that...

Anime adaptions are at times forced to adhere to rigid and unforgiving time constraints. These restrictions often cause several series to feel rushed or inaccurate to the source material. Tokyo Ghoul is a classic example of a popular manga with a poorly regarded anime. The series' main criticism is largely the anime's rushed pacing.

Unfortunately, certain anime series are forced to condense massively written works into a single season. When Deadman Wonderland was abruptly canceled, many characters and their arcs were outright removed from the anime. The process of pacing can completely make or break a franchise. Many popular anime suffer from inconsistent pacing and are forced to rush fans' favorite arcs.

Solo Leveling Sacrifices Character Development For Flashy Action Streaming on Crunchyroll

Solo Leveling is one of the most popular anime currently streaming. Yet, the anime makes several slight changes to fit into the series' lack of episodes. Many...

Quick LinksKathleen Kennedy Successfully Relaunched Star Wars for DisneyKennedy Made Tough Calls on Films Like Rogue One and SoloKennedy Also Finally Made Live-Action Star Wars Television a Reality

Before Disney acquired Lucasfilm and the Star Wars franchise, longtime producer Kathleen Kennedy quietly joined the studio in May 2012 as co-chair with George Lucas. Little did fans know that Lucas would eventually step aside and name Kennedy as his successor to lead Lucasfilm with more Star Wars films on the way. Before Disney purchased Lucasfilm, the last Star Wars film came out in 2005, which was the last installment in the Skywalker Saga at the time. With a new owner and leadership, a continuation of the original trilogy finally became a reality, with the Episode VII announcement tied to the sale in October 2012.

The anticipation for Star Wars' relaunch was incredibly high, given the franchise's storied history. Now, a decade after the release of The Force Awakens,...

Spoiler Alert !!!This article contains Solo Leveling manhwa spoilers.

There were not many characters who could keep up with Sung Jinwoo and his ever-changing powers in Solo Leveling. The only one who willingly chose to do it, and was able to expand Jinwoo’s world with her presence was Cha Hae-In. The changes in the anime are making her character arc even more enjoyable.

Her character arc in the manhwa was better than most characters, yet fans undermine her. Even though fans’ criticisms are not completely baseless, Hae-In has many redeeming qualities, making her the best character for a spin-off series.

Cha Hae-In’s introduction in Solo Leveling anime | Credits: Studio A-1 Pictures

Solo Leveling: Ragnarok has improved her character significantly, but even in the original series, she played a great role. However, a spin-off that is entirely focused on her can help her popularity the best.

Cha Hae-In deserves...

Spoiler Alert !!!This article contains Solo Leveling manhwa spoilers.

With every episode, Solo Leveling Season 2 is drawing closer to its end. The much-awaited Jeju Island Arc is just around the corner, and fans can’t help but wonder where this season will end. This is simply because every development that follows the Jeju Island raid increases the scale of the world in Solo Leveling.

Sung Jinwoo in the latest episode of Solo Leveling anime | Credits: Tapas

The world expands with new, stronger characters, and the stakes are ramped up significantly. With how things are progressing, the team behind the anime definitely plans to torture us with a cliffhanger of an ending.

However, there are many scenes that could serve as the perfect hook to keep the audience around for more. Fans on Reddit might have cracked the exact moment that will mark the end of Season 2. Here’s how plausible their predictions seem.

Shangri-La Frontier and Solo Leveling are some of the most popular anime influenced by video games currently streaming. Each series is fantastic and has each developed dedicated audiences. Yet, both franchises tackle the implementation of gaming concepts vastly differently. Shangri-La Frontier follows Rakuro Hizutome as he plays a completely fictional video game. In contrast, Solo Leveling depicts Sung Jinwoo as he is suddenly gifted with the ability to use video game concepts in his real-world life. This allows Jinwoo to go from one of the world's worst hunters to one of the few S-Rank hunters in history.

Both anime effortlessly captivated audiences with their over-the-top battles and thorough world-building. However, the Solo Leveling anime has toned down several of its source material's game references in favor of more action. Sung Jinwoo's daily quest is given less and less relevancy as the plot goes on. Shangri-La Frontier covers multiple games, each with unique rules and styles.

The following contains spoilers for Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 8, “Looking Up Was Tiring Me Out”.

Sung Jinwoo has achieved a lot since he was reawakened by the system at the very start of Solo Leveling. He's become an S-Rank Hunter, began to make a decent living, and even women find him more attractive thanks to the glow-up the System afforded him. That said, there has always been one thing that he couldn’t achieve – until now. Despite everything Jinwoo has accomplished throughout the first two seasons, it won’t be until Solo Leveling Season 2, Episode 9 (Episode 21 overall), “It Was All Worth It”, that he’ll finally feel content in how far he has come.

Jinwoo only ever became a Hunter to support his family. Caring for his sister and his mother were always Jinwoo’s top priority, which is what will truly make him feel that it was “all worth...

The following contains spoilers for the Solo Leveling manhwa.

One of the biggest anime sensations of recent years, Solo Leveling is swiftly beating all records of popularity, drawing more and more fans in with its flashy animation, unique concept, and distinct mainstream appeal. Yet, an aspect of Solo Leveling that clearly separates it from most anime series to achieve the same acclaim is its origins.

Solo Leveling first gained substantial traction as a manhwa series - a medium of Korean comics that has been getting notably popular worldwide. The anime adaptation of Solo Leveling does wonders in elevating the source material — closely following the plot of the original, it brings new vigor to Sung Jinwoo’s fantastical adventures through outstanding animation and amplified pace. However, with the adaptation still nowhere close to being completed, some details about the series remain only known by manhwa readers.

Jinwoo & his Shadows Have Funny...

Kathleen Kennedy could step down from Lucasfilm when her contract is up at the end of the year, at least according to one report. While her retirement has yet to be confirmed by Disney or Lucasfilm brass, even the idea of her retiring has Hollywood buzzing like a lightsaber that’s been left on for too long.

Kennedy’s tenure at the company, if it is coming to an end, has been one of ambition and controversy. As she tried to chart new territory in a galaxy far, far away and serve her corporate overlords, she frequently waded into controversy and fan unrest. Attempting to sum up her time at Lucasfilm is difficult and troublesome, met with some historic highs and almost subterranean lows. Through it all, she never gave up. When the Empirical forces attempted to squash her, she always resisted.

“She knows or knew what she was doing,...

It goes without saying that Solo Leveling(also known as "Only I Level Up"in South Korea) is the biggest anime of the moment. Based on the hit web novel written by Chugong and the equally popular webtoon illustrated by Jang Sung-rak (aka Dubu), Solo Leveling took the world by storm when it was turned into a massively successful anime in 2024. It also helps that the incredibly talented A-1 Studios animated the story, and none other than Hiroyuki Sawano scored the series.

With this in mind,it brings me no joy to say that, two seasons in, Solo Leveling is one of — if not — the most overrated anime I've seen in recent memory. That's not to say that it's bad or that it's somehow unwatchable. With the right mindset, Solo Leveling can be enjoyable and even exhilarating. It's also undeniably one of the best-made and best-looking anime airing right now.

Who wants to call the shots on “Star Wars”?

No, really, because it’s kind of a thankless job. Of course, the intergalactic franchise is sacrosanct as a cultural institution, so the president of Lucasfilm — home to “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones” — has one of the most prestigious posts in Hollywood.

But there’s also the reality they’ll be trolled on social media, parodied on “South Park” and criticized as too woke, too corporate, too slavishly devoted to George Lucas’s vision, or too willing to depart from Jedi canon.

And whoever gets the gig will be taking over at a low point in one of cinema’s biggest and most beloved franchises. Powers that be at the Disney-owned empire haven’t managed to get a film off the ground in six years (an eternity in today’s hyperactive culture). And the movies that have appeared in the decade-plus...

Solo Leveling is back with Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise from the Shadow- ! Based on the Korean webtoon by Dubu (Redice Studio), Chugong and h-goon, Solo Leveling is the story of hunter Sung Jinwoo and his allies as they fight monsters from another world. Once a weak low-rank hunter, everything changed for Jinwoo in the depths of a deadly dungeon. Now he’s the only hunter in the world who can level up, secretly gaining strength and abilities, but others are taking notice… Related: Solo Leveling Episode 19, “The 10th S-Rank Hunter” Let’s talk about everything that happened in Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise from the Shadow- episode 20 ! And stay tuned to Crunchyroll for the next incredible episode. Warning: Full details for the latest episode of Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise from the Shadow- follow. S-Rank level spoilers ahead for Solo Leveling Episode 20 ! My Bad In the upper levels of the Demon Knight’s Castle,...

The moment that fans and Sung Jinwoo have been waiting for finally comes to fruition in Solo Leveling Season 2, Episode 9, whose official previews tease Jinwoo accomplishing his dream of healing his mother.

The official Solo Levelingwebsite revealed the preview images and synopsis for Season 2, Episode 9 (Episode 21 overall), set to air on Saturday, Mar. 1, 2025, and titled "It was All Worth It". It follows the events of the high-octane Episode 8, where Jinwoo finally takes down Demon King Baran in an epic battle, putting the Radisu (Radiru) family in control of the Demon Gate and acquiring what he needs to save his mother from Eternal Sleep. Readers can check out the full Jinwoo vs. Baran fight below, as well as Solo Leveling Season 2, Episode 9's preview images and synopsis below.

RelatedCrunchyroll Finally Confirms Solo Leveling as Most-Watched New Anime of 2024

Solo Leveling Season 1 is confirmed as 2024's most-watched new anime in an unsurprising...

Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy is reportedly planning to step down at the end of the year, a seismic move with long-term implications for the future of the Star Wars film and television franchise.

Kennedy, 72, has overseen development and production of Star Wars since Disney’s acquisition of the franchise from George Lucas in 2012. Under her tenure, the studio released the Star Wars “Skywalker Saga” sequel trilogy, two standalone films in Rogue One and Solo, and six live-action Disney+ series, including The Mandalorian.

News of Kennedy’s retirement was reported by Matt Belloni of Puck News.

Kennedy’s departure will no doubt be welcome news to some Star Wars fans, who felt the Lucasfilm boss never charted a clear direction for the franchise. Despite achieving success at the box office, the Star Wars sequel trilogy received mostly mostly middling reviews from critics and fans alike, while the Alden Ehrenreich-led Solo...

Spoiler Alert !!!This article contains certain spoilers from the Solo Leveling Manhwa.

Solo Leveling is highly praised for its action sequences and the dominant protagonist, Jinwoo. However, one of the biggest criticisms of the series is the treatment of side characters. Yet, among the many sidelined figures, there is a character that seems to stand above the rest: Esil Radiru.

Esil Radiru from Solo Leveling Season 2. | Credit: A-1 Pictures

Esil caught the fans’ attention, not only due to her beauty but also because of her cheerful, free-spirited personality. Her fate in the original series, however, was a huge letdown. She disappeared after the Return to the Demon Castle Arc, leaving fans yearning for more. In fact, Esil’s popularity was so high that she needed to be returned in Solo Leveling: Ragnarok, the sequel based on Jinwoo’s son.

Esil’s introduction in Solo Leveling: A minor character with...