Netflix and Sony Animation Announce Sequel to ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ with Directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans Returning
Following the worldwide success of its inaugural film, Netflix has announced a sequel to the animated feature KPop Demon Hunters. Directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans will return for the project, which will be produced by Sony Pictures Animation. This sequel marks the first initiative under their exclusive multiyear writing and directing agreement focused on animation.
“With KPop Demon Hunters, Maggie and Chris didn’t just reach audiences, they ignited a global fandom that crossed languages, generations, and genres,” said Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria. “We’re incredibly proud to deepen our partnership with them and, together with our partners at Sony Pictures Animation, build this universe in ways that will surprise and delight fans all over the world.”
The announcement follows the film’s impressive performance, which has made it Netflix’s most-watched movie of all time. Recently, it added nearly $6 million to its August total, bringing its domestic gross to approximately $25 million.
“I feel immense pride as a Korean filmmaker that the audience wants more from this Korean story and our Korean characters,” Kang expressed. “There’s so much more to this world we have built, and I’m excited to show you. This is only the beginning.”
“These characters are like family to us; their world has become our second home,” Appelhans added. “We’re excited to write their next chapter, challenge them, and watch them evolve — and continue pushing the boundaries of how music, animation, and story can come together.”
Having amassed over 325 million views, KPop Demon Hunters is already the most-watched film in Netflix’s history. It also achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Netflix film to reach the top spot at the domestic box office, grossing $19 million within its first two days of release. The film was also a standout at the Annie Awards, winning all ten categories it was nominated for, solidifying its status as a contender for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It has been viewed over 482 million times, and its soundtrack has seen approximately 11 billion streams.
Kang and Appelhans are represented by UTA and Johnson Slewett and Shapiro.
