In 2021, Sony made what, at the time, seemed like a smart business decision and sold the rights to “KPop Demon Hunters” to Netflix. The streamer recently released an animated film based on the property, which quickly turned into a cultural phenomenon.
Now Sony and Netflix are in talks about how to approach a sequel.
Between the success of the sing-along version, its soundtrack setting a new Billboard Hot 100 record, and becoming the most-watched English-language film of all time on Netflix, no one is shocked about a sequel. Sony sold the film since it’s a big-budget animated title for an original IP from Maggie Kang, a first-time feature director, with no major stars attached. Financially speaking, one or two of those factors are enough to make a studio run.
Thankfully, the project was sold to Netflix as part of a larger, multi-title pact during the pandemic. It has Netflix covering the $100 million budget, along with paying Sony a $25 million fee and some other costs. Sony will also take a cut of the soundtrack and music publishing fees for certain songs. Netflix takes in everything in terms of merchandise, which is already everywhere.
For better or worse, this deal has entangled the two companies in any possible “KPop Demon Hunters” sequel(s). Netflix cannot make one without Sony, and Sony cannot make one without Netflix. No sequel is confirmed at this time, and it has only been hinted at, but the studios are working to start developing one.
We’ll keep you posted on this and any other “KPop Demon Hunters” news as it develops. You can catch “KPop Demon Hunters” streaming exclusively on Netflix.
