According to reports from Deadline and other international entertainment outlets on September 30 (local time), Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos discussed the future of KPop Demon Hunters during Bloomberg’s Screentime event. He revealed that audiences could expect a large-scale theatrical rollout when the sequel arrives.
The sequel to KPop Demon Hunters is reportedly expected to premiere in 2029. Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, who directed the original film, are set to return as directors for the upcoming installment.
What makes the sequel particularly noteworthy is Netflix’s reported plan to pursue a major global theatrical release. Unlike the original film, which debuted primarily on the streaming platform, the follow-up could reach audiences in cinemas around the world on a much larger scale.
Explaining the company’s approach, Sarandos emphasized that theatrical releases must offer substantial financial potential to justify the possible impact on Netflix’s streaming performance. He cited The Chronicles of Narnia and KPop Demon Hunters as examples of projects being considered for extensive international theatrical distribution.
Released in June 2025, KPop Demon Hunters is an animated action-fantasy film following HUNTR/X, a K-pop girl group whose members secretly protect the world from supernatural threats while maintaining their glamorous lives as music stars. The film became a global phenomenon, surpassing 300 million views within its first 90 days and claiming the top spot on Netflix’s all-time most-watched movies list.
The film also demonstrated its box-office potential through special theatrical screenings. In August 2025, a sing-along version was released in cinemas across several countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. The event reportedly recorded more than 1,300 sold-out screenings, highlighting the franchise’s ability to attract audiences beyond streaming platforms.
Sources: Daum