Netflix has officially announced the development of a sequel to “KPop Demon Hunters,” the most-watched film in the platform’s history. The upcoming installment is part of Netflix’s new exclusive multi-year writing and directing deal for animation with co-directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans.
Expressing pride as a Korean filmmaker, Kang, a Toronto native, shared her excitement about the audience’s interest in the Korean story and characters. The sequel will further explore the world and characters created in the original film.
The animated musical, produced by Sony Pictures Animation, follows the K-pop girl trio Huntrix — Rumi, Mira, and Zoey — as they navigate between their superstar lives and their hidden identities as demon hunters. The movie’s standout track “Golden,” performed by lead vocalists EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Receiving critical acclaim, the film has garnered several awards, including Best Animated Feature and Best Song at the Critics Choice Awards and the Golden Globes. Additionally, “Golden” won a Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media, marking the first Grammy for a K-Pop song.
Netflix reported record-breaking viewership for the movie, amassing 482 million views and 32 million views for its lyric videos within a six-month period. The film’s soundtrack continues to gain global popularity.
Appelhans emphasized the importance of a clear creative direction for the sequel, stating that a strong emotional connection to the content is essential for audience engagement.
The success of “KPop Demon Hunters” has paved the way for a highly anticipated sequel, promising to delve deeper into the captivating world of Huntrix and their demon-hunting adventures.