Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation have confirmed a sequel to the animated musical phenomenon KPop Demon Hunters, with KPop Demon Hunters 2 slated for a 2029 premiere on the streaming platform, as first reported by Bloomberg.
The original film, which follows the fictional K-pop girl group Huntr/x as they battle demonic forces using their music, debuted directly on Netflix earlier this year and quickly ascended to become the service’s most-watched movie of all time. Its cultural impact extended beyond streaming, with three original tracks — Golden, Your Idol, and Soda Pop — maintaining strong positions on Billboard’s Hot 100 and emerging as potential contenders for Grammy nominations.
Despite Netflix’s historical reluctance toward theatrical releases, the streamer organized limited sing-along screenings of KPop Demon Hunters in August and October. The August events generated approximately $18 million over two days, topping the domestic box office. A Halloween-themed re-release added between $5 million and $6 million, a notable achievement given the film’s ongoing availability on streaming.
Production timelines for animated features explain the four-year gap between installments. Development, storyboarding, animation, and post-production for high-quality animated musicals often span several years, particularly when expanding a world with intricate lore and original music.
Merchandise delays have underscored the unexpected scale of the film’s success. While apparel, phone grips, and a card game are currently available through Netflix’s online store and select retailers, most toys — including dolls, action figures, and plushies — will not ship until the first or second quarter of 2026, according to Bloomberg. A dedicated KPop Demon Hunters zone has already opened at Everland amusement park in Yongin, South Korea, offering immersive experiences for visitors.
Netflix views consumer products primarily as promotional tools rather than core revenue drivers, with long-term franchise potential taking precedence over holiday sales windows. The delayed toy rollout reflects the challenges of scaling merchandise production to match unanticipated demand.
Despite Netflix’s historical reluctance toward theatrical releases, the streamer organized limited sing-along screenings of KPop Demon Hunters in August and October. The August events topped the domestic box office with roughly $18 million over two days. A Halloween-themed re-release later collected between $5 million and $6 million — a remarkable performance given the film’s wide availability on streaming for months.
Co-director Maggie Kang — who helmed the original alongside Chris Appelhans — has emphasized the narrative groundwork laid for future stories. “We’ve set up so much for potential backstory,” Kang told Variety in July. “Obviously, there’s a lot of questions that are left unanswered and areas that are not explored. We had to do that because there’s only so much movie you could tell in 85 minutes.”
With KPop Demon Hunters 2 now in development, Netflix and Sony aim to transform Huntr/x into a lasting multimedia franchise, blending K-pop spectacle, supernatural action, and global appeal.
