The smash-hit anime series Solo Leveling is leveling up its voice cast with a surprising new addition. J Balvin, the Grammy-nominated Colombian singer and global music icon, is joining the English and Spanish dubs of Solo Leveling Season 2 – Arise from the Shadow- in a significant, yet-to-be-disclosed role.
A Surprising Alliance: Music and Anime Collide
The announcement, made by Crunchyroll, sent ripples of excitement through both the anime and music communities. J Balvin, known as the “Prince of Reggaeton,” brings his vocal talents to the series, marking his official entry into the world of anime voice acting, a move that follows his previous collaboration with Pokémon and his acting debut in Little Lorraine last year.
“I’m beyond thrilled to join the cast of Solo Leveling!” Balvin said in a press release. “This series has such a passionate fanbase, and getting the chance to be part of the anime world, after being a fan for such a long time, is an absolute honor. I can’t wait for everyone to see what we’ve been working on!”
A Secret Role Fuels Speculation
While Crunchyroll has kept the specifics of Balvin’s character under wraps, they have confirmed that he will be voicing a “major role” in both the English and Spanish versions of the anime. This secrecy has ignited speculation among fans, with many theorizing about which character the reggaeton superstar could be bringing to life. Could he be voicing a powerful new hunter? Or perhaps a mysterious figure connected to the shadowy world of dungeons and monsters? Only time will tell.
Solo Leveling: From Webtoon Sensation to Anime Phenomenon
Solo Leveling is based on the popular South Korean web novel written by Chugong. The series follows the story of Sung Jinwoo, a notoriously weak hunter in a world where humans possess magical abilities and must battle monstrous creatures that emerge from mysterious gates. After a near-death experience in a high-ranking dungeon, Jinwoo gains a unique ability: the “System,” which allows him to level up his powers and become an immensely powerful hunter.
A Meteoric Rise in Popularity
The anime adaptation of Solo Leveling premiered in January 2024 and quickly became a global phenomenon. It has garnered critical acclaim for its stunning animation, captivating storyline, and compelling characters. The series has also achieved massive commercial success, rocketing to the top of Crunchyroll’s most popular anime rankings. At one point Solo Leveling even surpassed Attack on Titan in popularity on Crunchyroll. Its dark fantasy story and unique character progression captivated audiences worldwide.
The English Dub Cast: Who’s Who in Solo Leveling
While J Balvin’s addition is generating buzz, he joins a talented cast of voice actors already bringing the world of Solo Leveling to life in English.
- Aleks Le voices the protagonist, Sung Jinwoo.
- Rebecca Wang plays Jinwoo’s sister, Sung Jinah.
- Emi Lo voices Han Song-Yi.
- Patrick Seitz lends his voice to Kim Chul.
- Trina Nishimura voices Park Heejin.
- SungWon Cho plays Woo Jinchul.
- Matthew David Rudd voices Hwang Dongsoo.
- Ian Sinclair voices Choi Jong-In.
- Kent Williams voices Go Gunhee.
- Christopher R. Sabat voices Baek Yoonho.
Behind the Scenes: The English Dub Crew
The English dub of Solo Leveling is in capable hands, with a dedicated crew working to ensure a high-quality adaptation.
- Caitlin Glass is directing the dub.
- Samantha Herek is producing.
- Jessica Sluys is adapting the script.
- Gino Palencia is the mixer.
- Jamal Roberson is the engineer.
Season 2: Arise from the Shadow
Solo Leveling Season 2 – Arise from the Shadow- continues Jinwoo’s journey as he delves deeper into the mysteries of the System and faces increasingly powerful enemies. The season premiered on January 4, 2025, with new episodes streaming weekly on Crunchyroll.
Production Details
The second season is produced by A-1 Pictures and directed by Shunsuke Nakashige. Other key staff members include:
- Noboru Kimura (Scriptwriter)
- Tomoko Sudo (Character Designer)
- Hiroyuki Sawano (Composer)
Music
The opening theme song, “ReawakeR (feat. Felix of Stray Kids),” is performed by LiSA and Felix from the South Korean boy band Stray Kids. Hiroyuki Sawano, known for his work on Attack on Titan, Blue Exorcist, and Kill la Kill, produced the music for the series.
Solo Leveling‘s Impact on the Anime Landscape
Solo Leveling‘s success is a testament to the growing popularity of Korean webtoons and their adaptation into anime. The series has resonated with audiences worldwide, thanks to its relatable protagonist, thrilling action sequences, and compelling world-building.
A Genre-Bending Appeal
Solo Leveling blends elements of dark fantasy, action, and isekai (a genre where the protagonist is transported to another world) to create a unique and engaging viewing experience. Its themes of self-improvement, perseverance, and the struggle against overwhelming odds have struck a chord with viewers of all ages.
Streaming Schedule
New episodes of Solo Leveling Season 2 are released every Saturday on Crunchyroll.
A New Chapter for J Balvin and Solo Leveling
The collaboration between J Balvin and Solo Leveling represents an exciting new chapter for both the artist and the anime series. Balvin’s star power and vocal talents are sure to attract new fans to the world of Solo Leveling, while his involvement highlights the growing mainstream appeal of anime. As fans eagerly await the reveal of his character, one thing is certain: J Balvin’s arrival is set to make Solo Leveling Season 2 an even more unforgettable experience.
