NetflixDirector Maggie Kang has just teased what the KPop Demon Hunters 2 plot would be if it gets the greenlight from Netflix, so here’s everything we know about a potential sequel – one thing’s for sure: the fans want more HUNTR/X.
KPop Demon Hunters has been smashing all kinds of records since landing in June, from becoming Netflix’s most watched animated movie to fictional group Saja Boys dethroning BTS on the US Spotify charts.
It’s so popular, in fact, that the Netflix movie will be hosting singalong screenings in select cinemas across North America, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand from August 23 to 24, so fans can belt out chart-topping tunes like ‘Golden’ and ‘Your Idol’.
The story itself centers on K-pop superstars Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, who moonlight as demon hunters and are faced with their biggest challenge yet: defend their fans from rival band Saja Boys.
Will there be a KPop Demon Hunters 2?
NetflixSadly, Netflix still hasn’t confirmed a sequel. However, due to its massive global success, it’s almost definitely a case of when rather than if KPop Demon Hunters 2 gets the go-ahead.
As well as breaking a long list of records, the first film sits firmly in the number one spot on the streaming service’s top 10 movie chart in the US – a whopping two months after its debut.
If you’re wondering why it’s taking so long to get confirmation, it’s due to the rights. You see, KPop Demon Hunters is produced by Sony Pictures Animation but Netflix is in charge of distribution.
As reported by Puck, while it cost more than $100 million to produce, Sony would’ve only made around $20 million from the deal – despite its huge success.
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A lot of this is due to timing. The studio struck a big deal with Netflix in 2021 to offload certain animated and live-action films directly to the platform, guaranteeing Sony a flat premium but no share of future profits.
At the time, theaters were still reeling from the pandemic and the arrangement gave Sony financial security while keeping its pipeline moving.
KPop Demon Hunters, which began development in 2021, was one of the titles folded into that deal, which is why Sony missed out when Netflix turned it into a global hit.
And while it’s easy to imagine the movie packing cinemas now, the nine-figure budget and animated format would have made it a risky bet in theaters, especially in the post-pandemic market.
However, given its runaway success, no doubt there will be more serious negotiations between Netflix and Sony regarding a potential sequel.
At least we know these meetings are taking place. Puck’s Matthew Belloni said, “I confirmed that the studio has just started negotiating with directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans to return for a follow-up.”
He added that “it will likely become a billion-dollar franchise, spawning sequels, spinoffs, music sales, Halloween costumes, and all the trimmings of a big fat Hollywood studio hit.”
Is there a KPop Demon Hunters 2 release date?
NetflixSince it’s yet to be confirmed, there’s no KPop Demon Hunters 2 release date just yet. It’s worth noting that we may be waiting a while.
As said, the first movie began development back in 2021, meaning it took around four years to reach the screen, which is fairly standard for large-scale animated features.
Even if Sony and Netflix fast track a sequel, animation is notoriously time-consuming – and the Spider-Verse films are proof. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, for example, faced multiple delays, and the same goes for the upcoming Beyond the Spider-Verse.
Although these were impacted by the pandemic and the Hollywood strikes respectively, the sheer artistry that goes into making them is not a quick process.
That said, Sony will almost certainly want to prioritize KPop Demon Hunters now that it’s a runaway global success, so production could move faster this time around.
Realistically, if a sequel is confirmed soon, fans might be looking at a release window of 2027–2028, depending on how quickly negotiations wrap up and animation work gets underway.
Director teases KPop Demon Hunters 2 plot
NetflixIf it does get a thumbs up, director Maggie Kang says she’d like a KPop Demon Hunters sequel to include a plot that they weren’t able to fit in the first film: HUNTR/X’s backstory and how Rumi, Mira, and Zoey became demon hunters.
In a conversation with Entertainment Weekly, Kang explained, “We were trying to do a non-origin origin story with a concept that’s brand new to people.
“What is it about these girls that brought them into HUNTR/X and made them demon hunters? What is each of their backstory? How did they get chosen? What is that journey like?
“There was really not a space for the movie to show all that. So we really had to make these choices of what is essential to the story, and that is the information that we will show.” If a sequel happens, “Then we can reveal more of that backstory,” she added.
Arden Cho, who voices Rumi, has also shared her hopes for a follow-up: rescuing the Saja Boys’ Jinu. Yes, he sacrifices himself to save Rumi, but given this happened in a fantasy world, we may see his return.
“I would love to see if we can rescue Jinu! It is a magical world, right?” Cho told Variety. “I feel like the options are endless, and our incredible writers and directors left it a bit open. Anything is possible.”
KPop Demon Hunters 2 cast
NetflixWe can expect all of the main voice cast to return if there’s a sequel, including Arden Cho as Rumi, May Hong as Mira, and Ji-young Yoo as Zoey. Other cast and characters include:
- Ahn Hyo-seop as Jinu (if he can be saved)
- Byung Hun Lee as Gwi-Ma (the same as Jinu)
- Yunjin Kim as Celine
- Ken Jeong as Bobby
- Daniel Dae Kim as Healer
- Liza Koshy as Host
We can also expect some newcomers (and potentially new singers) if and when KPop Demon Hunters 2 gets the go-ahead.
In the meantime, check out the best movies to stream this month, the new shows coming to Netflix, and the best comedies on Netflix.
