After shattering records as the most-watched English-language film in Netflix history, K-pop Demon Hunters is reportedly moving forward with a sequel. Netflix and Sony are in early talks to reunite the directing duo Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, raising fans’ hopes for an expanded cinematic universe.
A Global Phenomenon on Netflix
Released on June 22, K-pop Demon Hunters became an instant global sensation. In just 91 days, the animated feature racked up more than 236 million views, surpassing Red Notice to become Netflix’s most-watched English film ever.
The movie’s mix of vibrant animation, modern storytelling, and music-driven action quickly won over audiences worldwide. Its soundtrack made history on the Billboard Hot 100, with four tracks landing in the Top 10 at once, led by the viral hit Golden from the fictional group Huntrix. In South Korea, Golden achieved a rare Perfect All-Kill, dominating charts for over 1,000 hours straight.
What to Expect in Season 2
In interviews, director Maggie Kang hinted that the first film only scratched the surface:
“We planted details about the characters’ pasts that couldn’t all fit in 85 minutes. Rumi’s story came first, but we still want to explore Zoey and Mira.”
This has fueled speculation that the sequel could expand into a multi-character, universe-style franchise similar to Spider-Verse.
A Profitable Deal for Sony
Despite some critics saying Sony missed an opportunity by not releasing the film theatrically, industry experts call the Netflix deal a “rare win.” Netflix covered the $100 million production budget, paid Sony an additional $25 million licensing fee, and shared profits from soundtrack and music rights.
With Pixar’s original film Elio struggling at the box office, Sony’s streaming-first approach may have been the smarter move in a post-pandemic market.
Awards Buzz and Sequel Negotiations
Netflix is also preparing a subtle Oscar campaign for K-pop Demon Hunters, mirroring its strategy with the Spider-Verse franchise. The film’s high replay value — with kids reportedly watching it six to eight times on average — shows its staying power.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, negotiations between Netflix and Sony for a second installment are progressing smoothly. Netflix’s film chief Dan Lin praised Sony and the directing duo, saying:
“Netflix allows films to find their audience naturally and sustainably over time — something theaters can’t do if a film opens slowly.”
The Future of K-pop Demon Hunters
With critical acclaim, record-breaking viewership, and massive fan demand, it’s only a matter of time before K-pop Demon Hunters 2 becomes official. Whether the sequel dives deeper into Zoey and Mira’s stories or expands into a larger K-pop-inspired universe, fans can expect more music, action, and cultural impact.
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Source: Vietnam Insider