K-Pop Demon Hunters 2 finally gets update on release following smash hit success

Netflix's K-Pop Demon Hunters has to be one of the greatest film success stories of the summer, becoming the most-viewed original title on the streaming platform since records began.

As the title suggests, the animated fantasy flick follows a Korean girlband who have a particularly epic side hustle as formidable demon hunters, with a deceptive boyband being their arch-rivals.

The success of the film globally is a testament to the growing popularity of K-pop in the West, with the soundtrack spawning three top 40 singles in the UK, including Golden, which has spent nine non-consecutive weeks at number 1.

It's no surprise, then, that a sequel is in development, although fans might be a tad disappointed by how long they have to wait until Huntr/x take on their next adversaries. According to Deadline, Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation are eyeing a 2029 launch.

A four-year gap between the two films risks a loss of momentum for this fledgling franchise, but it could well be rewarded if the quality remains high, as fans would surely be dismayed by a subpar sequel being rushed out the door.

Between K-Pop Demon Hunters and its acclaimed Spider-Verse films, Sony Pictures Animation has earned a great deal of respect for its experimental animation styles and high-concept ideas – but alas, they don't happen overnight.

There was also a five-year wait for 2023's Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (even amid reports of animators working long hours in the run-up to release), with the trilogy-ending Beyond the Spider-Verse not expected until 2027.

So, when you break it down, the belated return for K-Pop Demon Hunters isn't all that surprising. What remains a mystery is whether the sequel will get a full-fledged theatrical rollout.

Sony Pictures Animation sold the original film to Netflix in a move that suggested some scepticism over its viability in cinemas, but those doubts must have been quashed by the resultant blow-up.

Nevertheless, Netflix has been reluctant to give even its most prestigious fare a full theatrical run in the past, citing its loyalty to subscribers above all, which has previously caused tension between the company and cinema chains.

A sing-along version of K-Pop Demon Hunters has played for two limited periods in cinemas, first in August, and again to coincide with Halloween, resulting in a global box office gross just shy of $25 million.

With the fanbase now established, a sequel could go much higher, but it depends on the willingness of all parties to give it a full life in cinemas. According to Deadline's report, there's "no word" on a final verdict just yet.

When the sequel does materialise, its quite likely that stars Arden Cho, May Hong and Ji-young Yoo will reprise their roles as K-pop superstars Rumi, Mira and Zoey, who collectively form the girl group Huntr/x.

K-Pop Demon Hunters is available to stream on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream.

Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

Add Netflix shows to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.