Sony Pictures and Netflix are talking about an animated sequel to KPop Demon Hunters. The movie has turned into one of those rare cultural hits that grows week over week, and both companies can claim a win. Netflix gets a film families keep rewatching. Sony gets stronger margins than it would have likely seen in theaters for a brand new animated title.
Why the original deal mattered
Back in 2021, Sony handed distribution to Netflix as part of a larger multi title pact. Netflix covered the full production budget for KPop Demon Hunters and paid Sony a fee on top. Sony also participates in soundtrack revenue and certain music publishing, while Netflix controls merchandising. It is an unusual split, but it gave a first time feature director and a non franchise concept a real shot at scale without the pressure of a soft opening weekend.
The results speak for themselves
KPop Demon Hunters climbed to number one on Netflix’s all time list for English language films by total views in the first ninety one days. A surprise sing along version in theaters added to the momentum. On the music side, the soundtrack scored four songs in the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 at the same time, led by Golden from Huntrix. That crossover success is a marker that the audience is not just watching once. Kids and families are looping it.
The theatrical what if
Some observers argue Sony left money on the table by not betting on a wide theatrical run. The counterpoint is clear. Original animation has struggled in recent years while known brands do better. Even a top tier studio can stumble with a new idea. Shifting risk to a streamer with global reach made sense for a concept that needed time and word of mouth to spread.
Why both sides need each other for the sequel
Netflix cannot move ahead without Sony, and Sony cannot move ahead without Netflix. The first film’s pipeline involved Sony Pictures Imageworks, the same group behind the Spider Verse films, and the creative team of Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans remains central to any continuation. Before a director deal can happen, the two companies need to reset the terms for a round two that covers financing, distribution, and consumer products.
What a sequel could focus on
A second film has a clear path if it builds on what made the first one click. Keep the tight mix of fantasy action, music forward set pieces, and global pop attitude. Expand the group dynamics and rival factions. Write new songs that can chart on their own. Aim for event level moments that work in a living room and on a big screen. If the business side lands, the creative side already has a strong foundation.
The takeaway
KPop Demon Hunters is a case study in how an original animated film can become a tentpole without a traditional theatrical launch. The audience found it. The soundtrack amplified it. A sequel is not just likely. It is logical. The only open question is how Sony and Netflix choose to share the next wave of upside.
Sources: The Hollywood Reporter coverage on KPop Demon Hunters negotiations and deal terms. Netflix Top 10 viewership rankings. Billboard Hot 100 charts for the soundtrack performance.
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