As has long been rumored (and hoped), Netflix has today announced that the streamer has officially greenlit a sequel to its smash hit animated Oscar nominee “KPop Demon Hunters.” While details remain slim (like, uh, release date?), it has been confirmed that directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans will return for the sequel, which also marks the first project for the pair out of a just-signed exclusive multi-year writing and directing deal across animation at Netflix.
“I feel immense pride as a Korean filmmaker that the audience wants more from this Korean story and our Korean characters,” Kang said in an official statement. “There’s so much more to this world we have built and I’m excited to show you. This is only the beginning.”
Added Applehans, “These characters are like family to us, their world has become our second home. We’re excited to write their next chapter, challenge them and watch them evolve — and continue pushing the boundaries of how music, animation and story can come together.”
The most viewed original Netflix film of all time, “KPop Demon Hunters” was the sleeper hit of 2025, initially premiering on the streamer in June to relatively little fanfare. A combination of social media word-of-mouth and the massive success of the film’s soundtrack — including no. 1 Billboard Hit and Oscar nominee “Golden” — helped the movie steadily grow in popularity through the Summer and into a massive cultural phenomenon. “Golden” topped the chart in over 30 countries, and the characters of the film were the most popular Halloween costumes of 2025.
At the Annie Awards this February, the film swept the ceremony to win all 10 categories it was nominated in, including Best Animated Feature. The movie is also the heavy favorite to win the Best Animated Feature category at the March 15 Academy Awards, where cast members will perform several of the songs featured in the film.
“With ‘KPop Demon Hunters,’ Maggie and Chris didn’t just reach audiences, they ignited a global fandom that crossed languages, generations, and genres,” Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria said in a statement. “We’re incredibly proud to deepen our partnership with them and, together with our partners at Sony Pictures Animation, build this universe in ways that will surprise and delight fans all over the world.”
Starring Arden Cho, Ahn Hyo-seop, and May Hong (with Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami providing their singing voices), “KPop Demon Hunters” follows Huntr/x, a popular KPOP girl group trio that doubles as a demon hunting squad that protects the world from the forces of demon lord Gwi-Ma. The film focuses on Huntr/x members Rumi, Mira, and Zoey as they face off against the Saja Boys, a boy group that are secretly demons sent by Gwi-Ma to brainwash the populace. Like the first film, the sequel will be produced by Sony Pictures Animation.
