Plans for a sequel to the animated film KPop Demon Hunters are reportedly moving forward, but studio executives now indicate that the project will likely not be completed in time for a planned 2029 release on Netflix. Studio leaders have responded directly to questions about the timeline, describing the current stage of development as preliminary and subject to an extended schedule.
Sony Pictures Animation co‑president Kristine Belson addressed questions about a 2029 release during a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter. When the publication suggested that year might be optimistic given where production stands, Belson placed her finger to her nose — a gesture indicating agreement with the idea that the timeline may have been overly ambitious. Belson later clarified that substantive work on the sequel has not yet begun in earnest, in part because the creative team is still engaged with awards season and other commitments related to the original film.
What the Interview Revealed
Belson acknowledged that directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, who led the first KPop Demon Hunters, would need uninterrupted time to begin shaping the sequel. “There’s been a lot to tend to in terms of the award campaign,” she said, referencing their participation in industry events and ceremonies. The implication from her remarks is that the production clock for the sequel has not yet started in a meaningful way.
A screenshot from the trailer to KPop Demon Hunters – YouTube, Sony Pictures Animation
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Another Sony Pictures Animation co‑president, Damien de Froberville, also spoke about the project’s potential during the same interview. De Froberville compared the KPop Demon Hunters franchise to Sony’s Spider‑Verse series, saying the world of KPop is similarly “rich” and offers many avenues for expansion. He suggested that the creative scope of a sequel could be broad, highlighting elements such as the interplay between the supernatural and pop music worlds.
Neither Belson nor de Froberville offered a specific release window beyond indicating that 2029 may be too soon, but both framed the project as a priority for the studio once pre‑production begins. De Froberville noted that the storytelling potential justifies taking the time necessary to develop the sequel thoughtfully, referencing the depth of the film’s world as a guiding factor.
Making a Sequel
Industry observers note that high‑profile animated features often require several years of development, story refinement, and production before a release can be scheduled. In the case of KPop Demon Hunters, the combination of awards season obligations for the directors and ongoing negotiations between Sony and Netflix have contributed to uncertainty about when formal work will begin.
Details such as cast commitments, plot direction, and production milestones for the sequel have not been released publicly by either Sony or Netflix. The companies have maintained that discussions are ongoing but have not confirmed any firm delivery date. As a result, any year previously mentioned in press reporting — including 2029 — should be understood as a projection rather than an official commitment.
A screenshot from the trailer to KPop Demon Hunters – YouTube, Sony Pictures Animation
Reports indicate that Sony and Netflix finalized a deal for a second KPop Demon Hunters movie in late 2025, with the early projection of a 2029 release emerging at that time. However, recent remarks from Sony executives signal that the sequel’s creative timeline will extend beyond that year.
Directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans have also acknowledged in past interviews that they have not yet had time to focus on sequel work, given the ongoing promotional and awards cycle for the first film. Kang noted that the creative team “hasn’t had any time to really think about anything” beyond the original project, underscoring how early the sequel remains in its lifecycle.
A screenshot from the trailer to KPop Demon Hunters – YouTube, Sony Pictures Animation
While the sequel’s ultimate release date remains undetermined, Sony Pictures Animation leadership has emphasized both the challenges and opportunities associated with extending the KPop Demon Hunters franchise. Their comments suggest the studio is preparing for a longer development period rather than aiming for a near‑term turnaround.
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