The announcement thatSolo LevelingSeason 3 may not arriveuntil 2028 has sparked a mixed wave of responses across the anime community.There are some fans who are frustrated by the idea of having to wait years for the next installment of the series. That said, what’s clear is that the situation isn’t simply a matter of a studio holding back to build greater anticipation or out of greed.
Animation studios must consider quality, production logistics, and scheduling conflicts. Paired with the fact thatSolo Levelingachieved unexpected levels of success, it’s safe to say that there is more than one reason that plays a role in the delay. While many fans are excited about the series' future,it’s honestly for the best that Season 3 takes its time.
Delays Like This Aren’t Unusual in the Anime Industry
Many Anime Take Years Before Releasing the Next Installment of a Series
The series was originally intended to be a continuous two-cour release throughout 2024; however, due to scheduling issues, the second half was rebranded as Season 2. This led some fans, especially those new to anime, to believe that anime seasons are far more frequent than they actually are.Long waits are common, especially with high-profile or unexpectedly successful series.Attack on Titan,Bleach,Re:Zero,andTower of Godall experienced multi-year gaps between major seasons, often due to shifts in studios, staffing challenges, or strategic timing. Animation studios are often juggling multiple projects within tight production windows.
In many cases, the extended breaks between seasons even result in better-polished sequels that benefit from added time and reflection.Solo Leveling’sexplosive receptionwas unforeseen, and by that time,the team behind it had already committed to other projects.The delay arises from the realities of animation production, where quality and existing commitments take precedence over speed and advancement with a series, even if it is a majorly popular one. Some fans compare new anime release schedules to streaming models, where it’s normal to receive annual seasons, but anime production doesn’t operate in quite the same fashion.
Animation teams are often much smaller than new and casual fans might expect, and are spread thin across several IPs.The idea that a major franchise will automatically receive immediate follow-ups doesn’t always reflect the realityof how long it takes to coordinate scripts, animation, voice acting, marketing, and release schedules. That’s why waiting until 2028 forSolo Leveling’snext arcis less of a red flag and more of a sign that the show’s impact will exceed initial expectations.
A Longer Wait Gives the Studio Breathing Room
Solo Leveling Will Only Benefit From Time in Between Seasons
Anime production is an intense and often grueling process, especially for studios managing multiple projects with overlapping timelines. When a show likeSolo Levelingtakes off unexpectedly, it creates added pressure to meet audience demand while also maintaining quality. In cases like this,a longer delay is not about dragging things out, but rather about giving the core team room to regroupand allocate resources more effectively. Stretching the timeline allows animators, directors, and writers to work without the constraints of a rushed schedule, which in turn leads to high production standards and more thoughtful visuals in the final product.
The industry is evolving and growing larger than ever, and the skyrocketing global demand must balance with sustainable work environments.
The idea of quickly turning around a third seasonmay sound appealing to fans, but it rarely delivers the best results, especially if the original animation team is already tied up somewhere else. Giving the studio time allows for smoother coordination and less reliance on last-minute fixes or excessive workloads. Otherwise, the studio risks a performance similar to thesecond season ofJujutsu Kaisen, where quality declined due to tight production timelines and overworking staff for insufficient pay. This is why a 2028 release is a major investment in quality rather than a setback.
While it’s easy to feel impatient when a series generates this much excitement, longer gaps between seasons are common and often for the best. The industry is evolving and growing larger than ever, and the skyrocketing global demand must balance with sustainable work environments.Delays can be frustrating, but they often lead to stronger and more memorable sequels. In the case ofSolo Leveling, waiting until 2028 isn’t a sign of trouble, but rather a sign that the series will receive the time and respect it deserves.
