Latest news with #A-1Pictures
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Solo Leveling studio A-1 Pictures suffers biggest loss in ten years despite record-breaking streaming numbers: Reports
Japanese animation powerhouse A-1 Pictures, best known for producing the blockbuster anime Solo Leveling, has reported its largest financial loss in a decade. According to Japan's Official Gazette, the studio recorded a net loss of 178 million yen (over ₹10 crore) for the fiscal year 2024–2025. This downturn comes despite Solo Leveling becoming one of the most successful anime globally, breaking streaming records on Crunchyroll and dominating major award categories. The stark contrast between its commercial triumph and financial deficit has left industry watchers puzzled, raising questions about the economic sustainability of modern anime production. Solo Levelling studio: A decade of profits ends in red A-1 Pictures, a subsidiary of Aniplex and part of Sony Music Entertainment Japan, had maintained steady profits throughout the past ten years, with only a minor dip in 2020. In contrast, the 2024–2025 fiscal year ended with a steep financial downturn. The previous year (ending March 2024) had seen a modest profit of 24 million yen. The studio's most profitable period remains 2016, when it recorded a profit of 350 million yen. While no official statement has been made by A-1 Pictures, the reported figures have drawn attention due to their timing—coinciding with one of the studio's most successful titles to date. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo The paradox of Solo Leveling's success Released in 2024 and based on the bestselling Korean web novel by Chugong, Solo Leveling was a runaway success. With jaw-dropping animation, strong storytelling, and a devoted fanbase, it quickly became the most-viewed anime on Crunchyroll. Season 2 further cemented its popularity, with Episode 11's release in March 2025 pushing it past One Piece and Demon Slayer in platform rankings. It also swept top categories at the Anime Awards. Yet, despite the immense hype and international viewership, this success didn't seem to translate into net profit for A-1 Pictures. Other projects and possible financial strain In addition to Solo Leveling, A-1 Pictures handled several other projects in 2024–2025, including NieR: Automata Ver1.1a (second cour), Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines!, Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online II, and a special anime adaptation of Goddess of Victory: NIKKE. The scale of simultaneous productions may have stretched the studio's budget and resources thin. Industry analysts suggest rising production costs, talent expenses, and backend streaming revenue structures may have contributed to the loss. For now, fans are left wondering how one of the most successful anime studios could take such a hit during its biggest moment.
Hindustan Times
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Solo Leveling Season 3: Exciting update for fans as producer says ‘wait until…'
If you've been keeping your hunter gear ready for Solo Leveling Season 3 there's a chance you may not have to wait that long. The global anime sensation that brought us the transformation of Sung Jinwoo from the world's weakest hunter to an unbeatable solo force might be returning earlier than fans imagined. While many had braced themselves for a wait stretching into 2028, a glimmer of hope has arrived, thanks to producer Sota Furuhashi. During a recent Reddit Q&A session, Furuhashi teased fans by hinting at a possible release during the 2026 Winter Olympics. He said, 'If it were up to me, I'd say let's wait until the next Olympics to see what's going to happen with Season 3. But that's more up to Kaneko and A-1 Pictures,' reports CBR. If this turns out to be true, fans might see Jinwoo back on screen just two years after Season 2, keeping with the pacing between the earlier seasons. And that's reason enough to get your dungeon-clearing playlist ready. It will be no exaggeration to say that Solo Leveling has become a phenomenon. Based on a popular South Korean web novel, the anime follows Jinwoo as he gains the rare ability to level up in a world where no one else can. That one twist launched an addictive story of power, betrayal, epic battles and god-tier animation. The show exploded in popularity across the US and the UK, with fans praising its dark tone, fast-paced storytelling and jaw-dropping visual effects. Both seasons are currently streaming on Crunchyroll. But with quality like that comes an insane workload. Furahashi revealed just how much went into it. Over 220,000 animation frames across two seasons. No wonder fans assumed the next chapter would be a long wait. So what's the verdict? Is Season 3 really dropping in 2026? As of today, there's no official word. No teaser. No date. No trailer. If the producer's remarks are anything to go by, the team is aiming to bring it back sooner rather than later. Still, the decision rests with A-1 Pictures and producer Kaneko. Furuhashi might've dropped a breadcrumb, but fans will have to wait for the studio to make it official. Until then, rewatching Seasons 1 and 2 on Crunchyroll doesn't sound like a bad idea. The show's action-heavy arcs and deep character work deserve a second viewing anyway. Yes, Season 3 is in development. While no official release date has been announced, producer Sota Furuhashi hinted at a possible 2026 release. Season 1 and Season 2 are already out and available on Crunchyroll. Episode 3 of the third season hasn't been released yet. The production is meticulous due to the show's high animation quality, but it hasn't been officially delayed. In fact, recent hints suggest we may get it sooner than expected, possibly in early 2026.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Solo Leveling season 3 could release in 2026, says producer
Winter Olympics Timeline Hinted—But Quality Still Comes First It's not hard to see why Solo Leveling has shot up to instant one of the most popular global anime hits of the past few years and now that excitement is building towards the return of Season 3. After the thrilling conclusion to Season 2, a new bit of news from one of the show's producers indicates that the next season might be ready to go long before most had anticipated. What is Solo Leveling besides a great anime and manhwa The Global Anime Hit With Epic Action and a Powerful Lead Solo Leveling is a dark-fantasy action series adapted from a South Korean web novel. It centers on Sung Jinwoo, a bottom-tier monster hunter who one day gets the power to level up, an ability no one else in his world possesses. With its breakneck plot, pulse-pounding action, and gorgeous visual effects, Solo Leveling has evolved into the most-watched anime globally, particularly in the United States and Great Britain, and is streaming Season 1 (2024) and Season 2 (2025) on Crunchyroll. Season 3 might drop sooner than you think Early 2026 Release Date Hinted by Producer Sota Furahash While many fans were understandably worried about a wait all the way until 2028, a recent blog post from producer Sota Furahashi has provided the first glimmers of hope that we mightn't have to wait so long to return. Commenting on how long the show takes to produce, he suggested that Season 3 might coincide with the upcoming Olympic Games, which would be Winter 2026, rather than 2028 as previously feared. 'If it were up to me, I'd say let's wait until the next Olympics to see what's going to happen with Season 3,' Furahashi said. 'But that's more up to Kaneko and A-1 Pictures.' That heavily implies that a February 2026 release is no longer just a dream, which would continue the same release cadence established between Seasons 1 and 2. Why fans worried about a 2028 release When Season 2 released in early 2025, many began to guess that the following chapter would take three years or more to come out. The answer might surprise you. Solo Leveling's dark and thrilling animation. As Furahashi explained, that accounted for well over 220,000 frames within the first two seasons alone. Keeping up with this intense level of quality is no small feat. Fans worried it was a recipe for a huge delay. Fortunately, the producer's most recent comments appear to indicate a shorter wait, although quality will continue to be the number one priority. When will Solo Leveling season 3 officially release? No Date Yet, But 2026 Looks Promising As of now, there is no fixed release date announced for Solo Leveling Season 3. Everything recently is pointing to a 2026 introduction — probably in the Winter Olympics. Whatever the case, the decision is ultimately up to A-1 Pictures and producer Kaneko, who are likely to announce more concrete details in the coming months. Where can you watch Solo Leveling? Seasons 1 & 2 Available on Crunchyroll In the meantime, as they await news on Season 3, new viewers can catch up on Solo Leveling, and fans can rewatch the show exclusively on Crunchyroll, which is home to all 25 episodes of Seasons 1 and 2 in English subtitles and dubbed, too. When Season 3 debuts, it will be simulcast exclusively on Crunchyroll for fans in the US, UK, and other select countries and regions.
Business Upturn
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Upturn
Is Mashle season 3 coming in June 2025? Everything we know so far
By Aman Shukla Published on June 10, 2025, 17:30 IST Last updated June 10, 2025, 11:05 IST Is Mashle: Magic and Muscles Season 3 releasing in June 2025? Fans of the action-packed, comedy-filled anime are buzzing with excitement, eager to know when Mash Burnedead will return to Easton Magic Academy. With its unique blend of Harry Potter-inspired magical worldbuilding and One Punch Man-style humor, Mashle has carved out a dedicated fanbase. In this article, we'll dive into the latest updates on Mashle Season 3. Is June 2025 the Release Date for Mashle Season 3? The claim that Mashle Season 3 will premiere in June 2025 stems from a single report, but it's not backed by an official announcement from A-1 Pictures or the Mashle production committee. Most sources indicate that Season 3 is expected to release sometime in 2025, with predictions ranging from early to late in the year. The first season aired in April 2023, and the second in January 2024, suggesting a relatively quick turnaround between seasons. Given that anime production typically takes 12–18 months, a 2025 release is plausible, but a specific June 2025 date seems speculative without further confirmation. What Will Mashle Season 3 Be About? Mashle: Magic and Muscles Season 3 is set to continue Mash Burnedead's journey as he competes in the Divine Visionary Selection Exam at Easton Magic Academy. The season will likely adapt the Tri-Magic-Athalon Divine Visionary Final Exam Arc , the penultimate arc of Hajime Kōmoto's manga, and may touch on the beginning of the Eclipse Arc . Where to Watch Mashle Season 3 While Mashle Seasons 1 and 2 are available on streaming platforms like Crunchyroll and Netflix (with Season 2 debuting on Netflix on June 9, 2025), Season 3's streaming details are yet to be confirmed. Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at
The Hindu
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2025: Fan-favorite action spectacle ‘Solo Leveling' topples fronturunner ‘Frieren' in massive populist upset
In a polarising turn of events, Solo Leveling has emerged as the undisputed champion of the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, walking away with a staggering seven trophies, including the coveted Anime of the Year. The community discourse has been lined with an undercurrent of discontent, as fans and critics alike questioned whether the action juggernaut had truly bested what many hail as one of the most poignant anime of the decade. For the legions of fans for the South Korean manhwa-turned-anime, it was vindication. For many others, especially devotees of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, it felt like betrayal. Held at the Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa in Tokyo, the ninth edition of the Crunchyroll Anime Awards drew an unprecedented 51 million votes from more than 200 countries. With celebrities like Kacey Musgraves, Gaten Matarazzo, Rina Sawayama, and J Balvin presenting awards, the event had the trappings of international spectacle. Yet, in the aftermath of the ceremony, the spotlight remains fixed on a single question: did Solo Leveling truly deserve to sweep the night? Solo Leveling wins Anime of the Year at the 2025 #AnimeAwards! 🏆 — The Anime Awards (@TheAnimeAwards) May 25, 2025 Adapted from Chugong's beloved webtoon, Solo Leveling follows Sung Jinwoo, a once-weak hunter who rises through brutal dungeons to become humanity's ultimate weapon. A-1 Pictures left no pixel unpolished, delivering adrenaline-fueled visuals, music from Attack on Titan veteran, Hiroyuki Sawano, and a relentless narrative tempo that captured the imagination of millions. The anime took home awards for Best Action, Best Score, Best Ending Sequence, Best Main Character, Best New Series, and multiple voice performance honors alongside Anime of the Year. The upset over Frieren's melancholic meditation on time, loss, and legacy, was met with outcry from segments of the anime community. Directed by Keiichiro Saito and animated by Madhouse, Frieren was praised for its emotional depth and gentle storytelling, following an immortal elf mage reckoning with the mortality of her long-gone comrades. The contrast between the two shows could not have been starker. Solo Leveling offered a speedy spectacle, while Frieren gradually unfolded like a contemplative novel. Frieren didn't walk away entirely empty-handed though — it won Best Drama, Best Background Art, Best Supporting Character (Fern), and Best Director for Saito. Yet the absence of the top honour has loomed large. The show has consistently topped fan-rating charts since early 2024, including MyAnimeList and Anime News Network, and many assumed it was the obvious frontrunner. Straddling the demands of blockbuster appeal and the yearning for introspective artistry, the Solo Leveling–Frieren face-off offers up a microcosm to the state of the anime community today. The situation speaks to a deeper tension in the anime world between artistry and populism. Crunchyroll's open voting format, which prioritises fan engagement over critical evaluation, has long been a subject of debate. And this year's outcome may have sharpened that divide. The controversy also sparked renewed scrutiny of other categories. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Hashira Training Arc won both Best Continuing Series and Best Animation — arguably deserved in the latter, but hotly contested in the former, especially given competition from long-running titans like One Pieceand Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War. Many have argued that the eight-episode arc lacked the narrative weight and scale of its predecessors, let alone its rivals. Elsewhere, Attack on Titan was honored with the inaugural Global Impact Award, a fitting tribute to the decade-long saga that has reshaped the cultural reach of anime in the past decade. The final chapter, The Last Attack, aired in late 2024, closing a monumental journey that began in 2013. Director Yuichiro Hayashi accepted the award on behalf of MAPPA. The night also saw spirited performances from musical acts like Creepy Nuts, who won Best Anime Song for Otonoke from Dandadan, and LiSA, who revisited fan-favorite hits like Gurenge from Demon Slayer. Here is the full list of winners from the Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2025: Anime of the Year – Solo Leveling Film of the Year – Look Back Best Original Anime – Ninja Kamui Best Continuing Series – Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Hashira Training Arc Best New Series – Solo Leveling Best Opening Sequence – 'Otonoke' by Creepy Nuts – Dandadan Best Ending Sequence – 'request' by krage – Solo Leveling Best Action – Solo Leveling Best Comedy – MASHLE: MAGIC AND MUSCLES – The Divine Visionary Candidate Exam Arc Best Drama – Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Best Isekai Anime – Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 3 Best Romance – Blue Box Best Slice of Life – Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! Best Animation – Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Hashira Training Arc Best Background Art – Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Best Character Design – Dandadan Best Director – Keiichiro Saito – Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Best Main Character – Sung Jin-woo – Solo Leveling Best Supporting Character – Fern – Frieren: Beyond Journey's End 'Must Protect At All Costs' Character – Anya Forger – SPY × FAMILY Season 2 Best Anime Song – 'Otonoke' by Creepy Nuts – Dandadan Best Score – Hiroyuki Sawano – Solo Leveling Best Japanese Voice Artist Performance – Aoi Yuki (Maomao) – The Apothecary Diaries Best English Voice Artist Performance – Aleks Le (Sung Jin-woo) – Solo Leveling Global Impact Award – Attack on Titan
