Netflix and Sony have concluded an agreement to bring to the screens the second installment of the highly successful animated film, “K-Pop Demon Hunters”, the production of which has now officially begun.
The sequel is scheduled for release in 2029, marking a four-year gap since the original film’s debut in June 2025.
Directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans were insured to return for the project, with the studios having closed all necessary deals as of November 2025. While talent deals are still being finalized, the extended timeline reflects typical production schedules for animated films rather than any complications with development.
The original “K-Pop Demon Hunters” has become a cultural phenomenon since its release, becoming the most-watched Netflix title in the company’s history with 325 million total views. The animated musical follows Huntr/x, a K-pop girl group consisting of Rumi, Mira and Zoey, who maintain dual careers as international pop stars while secretly working as demon hunters protecting humanity from supernatural threats. The film has earned widespread critical acclaim, receiving a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and drawing comparisons to other major animated franchises.
Beyond the streaming success, the film proved it significant commercial appeal through theatrical releases. A sing-along version released in August 2025 became the first Netflix film to top the US box office, earning an estimated $19 million in its opening weekend. When it was re-released during Halloween, the film added another $5-6 million to its total domestic gross, reaching approximately $25 million.
The film’s soundtrack gained notable recognition in the music industry. Four songs from the project simultaneously occupied the top 10 positions on the Billboard Hot 100, a first for any film soundtrack. The song “Golden” performed by Huntr/x reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent eight weeks at number one. The soundtrack itself earned platinum certification from the RIAA in October 2025 and subsequently rose to number one on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums chart.
Director Kang had already indicated this during interviews followed the development would explore the backstories of the characters left incomplete in the original film. He said the filmmakers would focus on the origin stories of the HUNTR/X members, specifically addressing how each member was chosen as a demon hunter. Kang stated that the first film deliberately avoided an origin story approach to maintain a fresh narrative concept.
