Netflix has officially announced the development of a sequel to its most-watched film of all time, “KPop Demon Hunters.” The new project will continue the creative partnership between co-directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans under an exclusive multi-year writing and directing deal for animation.
Maggie Kang, a Korean filmmaker who hails from Toronto, expressed her pride in the audience’s demand for more of the Korean story and characters. The sequel aims to further explore the world built in the original musical film, which follows K-pop girl trio Huntrix as they juggle superstardom with their covert roles as demon hunters. The breakout anthem “Golden,” performed by EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, topped the Billboard Hot 100 charts.
The film received critical acclaim and accolades, including wins for best animated feature, best song at the Critics Choice Awards, and best animated motion picture and original song at the Golden Globes. It also garnered two Oscar nominations. Additionally, “Golden” secured a Grammy for best song written for visual media, marking the first Grammy awarded to a K-Pop song.
Netflix reported record-breaking viewership numbers for “KPop Demon Hunters,” with 482 million views and 32 million views for its lyric videos over a six-month period. The movie’s soundtrack continues to gain global popularity.
Looking ahead to the sequel, Chris Appelhans emphasized the importance of a clear creative direction from the outset to ensure a meaningful and engaging production. He highlighted the significance of creating content that resonates with the creators and the audience, emphasizing the need for a strong connection to the material for its success.