Netflix has announced the commencement of the development of a sequel to the highly-watched film “KPop Demon Hunters,” which holds the record as the most viewed movie on the platform. The upcoming installment will further expand Netflix’s partnership with co-directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans and serves as the inaugural project under their new exclusive multi-year agreement for animation.
Expressing her joy as a Korean filmmaker, Kang, who hails from Toronto, emphasized the audience’s desire for more content from the Korean narrative and characters. She mentioned that there are numerous unexplored facets of the world they have constructed, indicating that this is just the beginning.
The original musical film, animated by Sony Pictures Animation, revolves around the K-pop girl trio Huntrix, comprising Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, who juggle their fame as superstars with their covert roles as demon hunters. The film’s breakout track “Golden,” performed by lead vocalists EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, clinched the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Having garnered critical acclaim and accolades during awards season, the film secured top honors at the Critics Choice Awards and the Golden Globes for best animated feature and best original song, respectively. Furthermore, it received two Oscar nominations for best animated feature and best original song.
Additionally, the song “Golden” received a Grammy Award for best song written for visual media, marking the first Grammy win for a K-pop track. The movie’s success has been further highlighted by its record-breaking viewership numbers and continued global popularity of its soundtrack.
Appelhans, in a statement to Reuters, emphasized the importance of having a clear creative vision from the outset for the sequel’s success. He stressed the significance of creating content that resonates with the creators and subsequently connects with the audience, emphasizing the need for a meaningful and beloved end product.