KPop Demon Hunters Sequel in Development as Sony and Netflix Discuss New Deal
The runaway success of KPop Demon Hunters is setting the stage for a sequel, as Sony Pictures and Netflix enter discussions for a follow-up. Sources confirm that both companies are exploring a new deal after the animated fantasy musical shattered expectations and achieved record-breaking numbers on the streaming platform.
Sony and Netflix are in talks for a KPop Demon Hunters sequel after the hit film became Netflix’s most-watched English-language title.
Courtesy of Netflix
Netflix recently revealed that KPop Demon Hunters has become its most-watched English-language film of all time, amassing 236 million views and overtaking Red Notice. The milestone highlights the cultural impact of the film, which resonated strongly with family audiences and younger female viewers. The film’s soundtrack also made history by placing four songs simultaneously on the Billboard Hot 100, led by Huntrix’s hit “Golden.”
The surge in popularity was boosted by Netflix’s surprise theatrical sing-along release during the August 22–24 weekend. Industry observers note that the film defied expectations, considering it originated from a first-time feature director, Maggie Kang, without major star power attached.
Sony initially partnered with Netflix on the film in 2021 during the pandemic, as part of a broader multi-title deal. Under the agreement, Netflix covered the film’s $100 million production budget and paid Sony an additional $25 million fee. Sony also retained revenue from soundtrack sales and music publishing, while Netflix secured exclusive merchandising rights. Sony Animation’s Imageworks, known for the Spider-Verse films, also contributed to the production, further strengthening ties between the two studios.
The financial performance of the film suggests strong profitability for Sony, with estimates indicating potential margins of 20 to 30 percent — significantly higher than the typical 10 to 12 percent range studios aim for. This success contrasts sharply with other original animated films that have struggled in the post-pandemic box office market, including Pixar’s Elio.
Netflix executives emphasized the platform’s advantage in allowing films to grow through word of mouth and repeated viewings. According to insiders, many children are watching KPop Demon Hunters multiple times, averaging six to eight repeat viewings per household. Netflix film chief Dan Lin credited both Sony and the creative team — Kang and co-director Chris Appelhans — with shaping a global hit that continued to build momentum even weeks after release.
Preliminary conversations with Kang and Appelhans about a sequel have already taken place, though no official deal has been finalized. For the project to move forward, both Sony and Netflix must reach a new agreement, as neither studio can independently produce the sequel without the other.
