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Sequel officially confirmed
Netflix has officially confirmed a sequel to KPop Demon Hunters and announced that directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans will return to helm the follow-up.
“The sequel to KPop Demon Hunters is coming your way, with Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans returning to direct.”
The company framed the announcement as the next step in a creative partnership, saying the sequel will be the first project under Kang and Appelhans’ exclusive multiyear writing and directing deal with Netflix across animation.
Multiple outlets reported the confirmation and emphasised the directors’ return as central to continuity for the franchise.
Record-breaking success
The sequel comes after KPop Demon Hunters became Netflix’s most-watched film ever, with multiple outlets noting more than 500 million views since its June 2025 debut.
Netflix and reporting outlets highlighted the movie’s extraordinary streaming numbers and awards-season recognition.
The film’s soundtrack and singles also set records on global charts, and the original is nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.
Directors' statements
Both directors framed the return to the franchise in personal and creative terms, with Maggie Kang expressing pride as a Korean filmmaker and Chris Appelhans describing the characters as like family.
“Maggie Kang commented, “I feel immense pride as a Korean filmmaker that the audience wants more from this Korean story and our Korean characters. There’s so much more to this world we have built, and I’m excited to show you.”
Netflix characterised the sequel as the first project from Kang and Appelhans’ exclusive multi-year deal.
Outlets reported that the partnership is intended to keep the original creative team intact for future animation projects.
Production and timing
Production details are limited but consistent on one point: Sony Pictures Animation is again involved as producer.
There is disagreement about timing — Variety reports the sequel is "reportedly aiming for release in 2029," while other coverage cautions that a 2029 date is unlikely given the early stage of development.
Netflix and partners have not announced an official release window, and outlets note the directors will focus on the sequel after awards season.
What to expect
Creative expectations for the follow-up include expanded world-building around HUNTR/X, further blending of K-pop spectacle with supernatural fantasy, and a new original soundtrack.
“The animated film follows HUNTR/X, a K-pop trio whose members secretly use their music to protect humanity from monsters emerging from the underworld, blending music, supernatural fantasy and Korean folklore.”
Sources describe the original film’s narrative — a K-pop trio who secretly protect humanity from monsters — and note that the sequel will continue to balance pop performance and demon-hunting action.
Outlets say the project aims to "push the boundaries of how music, animation and story can come together."