‘Solo Leveling – ReAwakening’ Sets Theatrical Releases

LEVELING UP

Sony-owned anime company Crunchyroll has acquired North American and select international theatrical rights for “Solo Leveling – ReAwakening.” The presentation represents a recap of the “Solo Leveling” anime series’ hit first season and a sneak peek of the first two episodes of the second season.

Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment will bring “Solo Leveling -ReAwakening” to theaters in the U.S. and Canada on Dec. 6, 2024.

The anime series “Solo Leveling” is adapted from the best-selling Korean web novel written by Chugong, which was later adapted into a film, a webtoon and manhwa in 2018, with illustrations by Dubu. The first season of “Solo Leveling” debuted globally on Crunchyroll on Jan. 6, 2024, with a second season announced for January 2025.

“Solo Leveling” is animated by A-1 Pictures (“Sword Art Online”), with motion graphics by Production I.G (“Attack on Titan,” “Psycho-Pass”). The series is directed by Nakashige Shunsuke (“Sword Art Online”).

An official synopsis reads: “Over a decade has passed since a pathway called a ‘gate’ which connects this world and another dimension suddenly appeared, and people with superhuman powers called ‘hunters’ have been awakened. Hunters use their superhuman powers to conquer dungeons inside the gates to make a living, and Sung Jinwoo, a hunter of the lowest rank, is considered the weakest hunter of all mankind. One day, he encounters a double dungeon, a high-level dungeon hidden inside a low-level one. In front of a severely wounded Jinwoo, a mysterious quest window pops up. On the verge of death, Jinwoo decides to take on the quest, which makes him the only person who can level up.”

KOREAN PRODUCER KUDOS

The Busan International Film Festival’s Choon-yun Award, presented annually to a Korean producer who has helped develop the industry, will be given to Park Kwansu. The CEO of Kirin Productions, Park has worked across film and television and produced titles including: “Wonderland” (2024); “Ms. Apocalypse” (2024); “An Old Lady” (2020); “Kokdu: A Story of Guardian Angels” (2019); “Persona” (2019); “Marianne and Margaret” (2017); and “Sa-kwa” (2008).

The Choon-yun Award ceremony will take place on Oct. 3, at the Paradise Hotel in Busan. The 29th Busan International Film Festival will be held over ten days from Oct. 2-11 at the Busan Cinema Center.

COLD AND HOT

British rock band, Coldplay has revealed details of its Music of the Spheres World Tour with multiple dates in Asia – some marking a return after a long absence.

Through October and November, the band will play four nights in Melbourne, Australia followed by four in Sydney and three in Auckland, New Zealand. They pick up again in the region with two dates in Mumbai, India in January 2025. In April, the band makes a stop for three nights at the new Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong and four in Seoul, South Korea, before returning to the U.K.

PINGYAO PANELS

The Pingyao International Film Festival which kicks off next week in China has unveiled two prestigious teams who will act as jury members for its competitive sections. The festival runs Sept. 24-30.

Judging the Crouching Tigers section, dedicated to international directorial debuts or second/third features, is: director and producer Stanley Kwan; festival selector Li Cheuk-to; writer and academic Ouyang Jianghe; Chinese director Wei Shujun; and Yang Yang, associate director of the Broadway Film Center.

Judging the Feimu Awards for the Hidden Dragons section, reserved for the first or second films by Chinese directors, is: Portuguese film director Miguel Gomes; Cannes selector Christian Jeune; critic and filmmaker Mark Peranson, Chinese actor director and screenwriter Qin Hailu; and Yu Li-kwai, acclaimed cinematographer, director and writer.