Here at Tubefilter, we’ve written plenty about how video-focused creators like YouTubers, TikTokers, and more are snagging movie deals as Hollywood increasingly looks online for its next pool of talent. But there are other kinds of digital content creators who are also being tapped for their talent.
Netflix has signed on to produce a live-action adaptation of fantasy webnovel, webtoon, and anime Solo Leveling, from South Korean author Chugong. The story follows Sung Jin-woo, who was born into an MMORPG-inspired world where human Hunters band together and use their supernatural abilities to take down invading monsters. Jin-woo is a notorious noob, having been born with painfully weak stats, but after he survives a difficult dungeon that wiped the rest of his party, the enigmatic System chooses him as the only Hunter who can level up his abilities through combat. As the deeper plot unfolds, Jin-woo becomes a one-man force keeping monsters from overwhelming his fellow humans.
Solo Leveling is one of the internet’s most popular webnovels, having been read over 14 billion times on South Korean website KakaoPage. In 2018, it was adapted to a webtoon illustrated by Jang Sung-rak and also published on KakaoPage; then, in 2024, A-1 Pictures released an anime adaptation that went on to sweep the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards. It won nine trophies, including Anime of the Year and Best Action.
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“The upcoming live-action series adaptation promises to feature vivid characters, dynamic action sequences, and exhilarating quests, brought to life by a world-class global VFX team,” Netflix said in a press release. “The series will also introduce viewers to fantastical dungeons and uniquely powerful monsters, setting a new standard for live-action adaptations.”
Netflix has already found a lead for the show: Byeon Woo-seok, a South Korean model and actor known for his roles in romance movie 20th Century Girl and Netflix-produced K-pop K-drama Lovely Runner.
With Solo Leveling, Netflix has the chance to charm a sizable, dedicated fandom. It’s had success wooing webcomic enthusiasts in the past, notably with its adaptation of Alice Oseman‘s gay romance Heartstopper. It’s also managed to charm Korean audiences with shows like Squid Game and an ever-growing catalog of K-dramas.
But we’re mainly interested because this is another example of Netflix clearly looking to online creators for its next crop of content. We knew it wanted YouTubers to come its way (despite Ted Sarandos constantly talking sh*t about their home platform…), but it’s clear webnovels and webcomics have a place there, too. inb4 Netflix teams up with Wattpad and Webtoon?
