Netflix and Sony are reportedly eyeing a 2029 release for ‘KPop Demon Hunters 2’, which means fans of the record-breaking animated hit will have to wait a while before the demon-slaying Pop stars return.
Given that the original became the most-watched movie in Netflix history with over 325 million views, the pressure to deliver a worthy sequel is sky-high.
The lengthy timeline is standard for animated features, which require years of production to bring to life. Filmmakers are currently in early talks with the streamer and studio, though there’s no word yet on whether the sequel will get a theatrical release like its predecessor. The first film made history by becoming the first Netflix movie to hit #1 at the box office when it opened with a $19 million two-day gross in late August. It went on to earn nearly $25 million domestically.
The original followed Rumi (Arden Cho), Mira (May Hong), and Zoey (Ji-young Yoo), members of the K-Pop group Huntr/x, who balance their chart-topping music careers with their secret lives as demon hunters. Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the film spawned a platinum soundtrack featuring the Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper ‘Golden.’
The IP has become such a juggernaut that Netflix secured deals with Mattel and Hasbro for global toy licensing.
While 2029 seems far off, the filmmakers are clearly taking their time to ensure the sequel lives up to the massive success of the original. Whether fans will still be as invested four years from now is the real question.