The excitement surrounding Solo Leveling is at an all-time high. Based on a popular webtoon, this series has garnered significant attention among viewers due to its action-packed sequences and thrilling storyline. The craze has gone so high that now fans are anticipating a live-action adaptation of this series, which is simultaneously igniting the hidden creativity within the fans.
Recently, a fan-created AI version of the Solo Leveling trailer was shared on social media, giving us a glimpse of what a live-action adaptation could look like. The trailer generated a massive buzz, not only for its high-quality animation but also for raising discussions on who should take on the role of the series’ protagonist, Sung Jin-Woo. Upon proper consideration, there is one actor who comes into mind, that is none other than Woo Do-hwan.
The Magic of the AI Solo Leveling Trailer
The fan-made AI trailer for Solo Leveling hit Instagram and quickly went viral, leaving fans in awe of its realistic display and jaw-dropping action sequences. The AI trailer via @theanimeflow has given a visual representation of Sung Jin-Woo’s transformation from a lowly E-rank hunter to one of the most powerful beings in the Solo Leveling universe.
The blend of epic battles, stunning landscapes, and larger-than-life monsters perfectly encapsulated the webtoon’s core elements. But apart from that, What the trailer did most effectively, though, was reignite the conversation around casting. The fans are dissatisfied with the portrayal of Sung Jin-Woo since AI trailer has showcased him as a White character.
Solo Leveling‘s web novel was created by a Korean artist, Chu’gong, and released in the Korean language. Not only this but the premise of the entire show, from the characters’ names to the first episode’s flashback of Jeju Island; everything is based on South Korea. Thus, to maintain the integrity of the story, opting for Korean casts would be appropriate.
The Ideal Choice for Sung Jin-Woo of Solo Leveling: Woo Do-hwan
If there’s an actor who could perfectly capture the same level of intensity as Sung Jin-Woo, that would be the Korean actor Woo Do-hwan. Known for his incredible role in Bloodhounds, Woo Do-hwan has shown he can bulk up and handle the physically demanding aspects of an action-heavy role. To portray Sung Jin-Woo’s transformation in Solo Leveling from a weak and timid character to an absolute powerhouse, the actor needs to convincingly pull off both ends of that spectrum. And Woo Do-hwan seems to be a perfect fit for this.
Additionally, Woo Do-hwan’s sharp features, expressive eyes, and charismatic on-screen presence align closely with Sung Jin-Woo’s look in the webtoon and the anime. His ability to embody characters with complex emotional depth, while also looking fierce and intimidating when necessary, mirrors Sung Jin-Woo’s journey from a bashful hero to a feared warrior.
Moreover, One of the most important reasons for casting Woo Do-hwan for the role of Sung Jin-Woo is to stay true to the character’s Korean roots. In recent years, fans have grown increasingly critical of live-action adaptations that miscast or whitewash characters. Woo Do-hwan, being a South Korean actor, would ensure that authenticity is preserved, solving issues over potential whitewashing or misrepresentation.
With Netflix’s growing collection of high-quality adaptations, Solo Leveling has the potential to be another hit, and with Woo Do-hwan as the lead, fans could finally see their favorite series brought to life in a way that does justice to the source material.
Solo Leveling is currently available to watch on Crunchyroll.
