KPop Demon Hunters is going up, up, up. Sony Pictures Animation and Netflix are reportedly engaged in early discussions regarding a KPop Demon Hunters sequel. While no sequel has been greenlit, both studios are interested in continuing the story. These conversations follow not only the film’s streaming success but also the limited theatrical release.
The animated musical directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, became Netflix’s most-watched original movie following its June 2025 debut. The film surpassed 236 million views in its first 60 days, overtaking previous record-holders.
A screenshot from the trailer to KPop Demon Hunters – YouTube, Sony Pictures Animation
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The film follows a fictional K-pop girl group who double as demon hunters. Directors Kang and Appelhans have expressed interest in revisiting the universe. With the original spotlighting lead singer Rumi, many fans hope and speculate for more on bandmates Zoey and Mira. Kang has confirmed that these girls have more backstory that they could not fit into the original story.
We’ve set up so much for potential backstory. There are a lot of questions left unanswered and areas that are not explored, and we had to do that because there’s only so much movie you could tell in 85 minutes.
This was Rumi’s story, and we have backstories for Zoey and Mira, ones that we actually put in the movie, but it just kind of rejected it. It just wasn’t the movie for those stories.
-Maggie Kang
Possible Sequel
The principal voice cast, including Arden Cho (Rumi), May Hong (Mira), and Ji‑young Yoo (Zoey), have expressed strong interest in returning if a sequel to KPop Demon Hunters moves forward. In a June 2025 interview with Mama’s Geeky, Ji‑young Yoo stated, “I’ve already told Maggie [Kang] and Chris [Appelhans] that there has to be a follow‑up. I would totally do it again. I’ll be honestly a little bummed if we can’t do a sequel.”
Arden Cho added that she would be “heartbroken” if no follow‑up is made.
A screenshot from the trailer to KPop Demon Hunters – YouTube, Sony Pictures Animation
The film’s soundtrack achieved commercial success. Four original songs debuted in the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10, with “Golden” reaching No. 1 globally. This marked a rare achievement for a limited-release animated musical.
Despite signs pointing toward a sequel, the project remains unconfirmed. Analysts note that any sequel depends on Netflix and Sony reaching an agreement. Differing business strategies may affect the timeline.
Many have said Sony sold the movie short, making a great profit but losing out on what it could have made in a full theatrical run. In 2021, amid lockdown-era uncertainty and without its own streaming platform, Sony entered a direct-to-platform agreement with Netflix. Under that deal, Netflix paid Sony a flat fee for the movie rights. Sony retained certain revenue streams, including a portion of soundtrack sales, music publishing fees, and payments related to its animation services, but it waived profit participation in the film’s long-term success.
A screenshot from the trailer to KPop Demon Hunters – YouTube, Sony Pictures Animation
Some industry voices have urged restraint. Editorials argue that while the film’s performance is strong, Netflix should avoid excessive reliance on sequels. Critics suggest that the studio should also invest in new creative properties. Fans also express concerns that any sequel, though hoped for, needs to be given as much careful story writing as the first. With other beloved franchises throwing together a cash-grab sequel that lost the heart of the original, fans are hesitant but hopeful.
A screenshot from the trailer to KPop Demon Hunters – YouTube, Sony Pictures Animation
Others have compared the film’s rise to that of Frozen, noting the gradual growth of popularity through word-of-mouth and international audiences. Analysts say this trajectory highlights the value of organic audience development.
What do you think of a KPop Demon Hunters sequel? Will the studios produce an equally compelling sequel? Let us know in the comments!
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