Photo Credit: Netflix
Fans are buzzing about KPop Demon Hunters 2 after new updates hinted at plans to continue the animated hit. The news emerged alongside reports of the film’s record-breaking success and a surprise special release.
KPop Demon Hunters 2 update will excite all fans hoping for a sequel
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the potential follow-up comes after the film debuted a surprise sing-along version in theaters from August 22 to 24. It then surged to the top of Netflix’s all-time English-language film chart with 236 million views. The soundtrack also made history on the Billboard Hot 100 by placing four tracks in the Top 10 at the same time, led by Huntrix’s “Golden.”
Industry insiders note that Sony licensed the project to Netflix in 2021 during the pandemic under a multi-title deal. The streamer covered the film’s $100 million budget and paid Sony an additional $25 million fee.
Under this arrangement, Netflix gained merchandising rights. Sony kept a share of soundtrack and publishing revenues. It also benefits from Netflix’s payments to its animation arm, Imageworks, the studio behind the Spider-Verse films. Reported margins reached as high as 20 to 30 percent, compared to the usual 10 to 12 percent targeted by studios.
The film also prompted Netflix to break with its aversion to theatrical releases. It reportedly staged a limited sing-along screening across more than 1,700 North American theaters, where it topped the domestic box office that weekend.
Co-director Maggie Kang confirmed in the same report that there are still “a lot of questions left unanswered,” pointing to possible backstories for Zoey and Mira, which were trimmed from the original 85-minute runtime. She added, “This was Rumi’s story, and we have backstories for Zoey and Mira … it just wasn’t the movie for those stories.” (via Variety)
Talks for a sequel remain preliminary, as both Sony and Netflix must jointly agree before moving forward. For now, the first step seems to be finalizing the updated pact between the two studios.
