Netflix’s animated sensation K-Pop Demon Hunters has taken the world by a “Golden” storm, and the streaming giant is wasting no time capitalizing on its success. With record-breaking viewership and a soundtrack dominating global charts, the film is poised to become Netflix’s answer to Disney’s Frozen—a cultural juggernaut with endless potential for expansion. According to reports from The Ankler and The Wrap, Netflix is planning a massive franchise push, including sequels, spin-offs, merchandise and even a stage musical. Here’s everything we know about the future of K-Pop Demon Hunters and what fans can expect next.
Netflix’s Ambitious Franchise Plans
According to The Wrap, Netflix sees K-Pop Demon Hunters as a cornerstone of its original content strategy, with plans to transform it into a multi-platform franchise. The streamer owns all underlying rights to the IP, giving it full control over the project’s future, with or without Sony Pictures Animation. However, sources indicate that Netflix and Sony are eager to continue their partnership. Via The Wrap, Netflix has big plans for expansion on KPOP Demon Hunters.
Here’s what’s in the works:
- Two Sequels for a Trilogy: Netflix is developing two follow-up films to complete a K-Pop Demon Hunters trilogy. While the first film wrapped up Rumi’s arc neatly, directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans have teased unexplored backstories for characters like Mira and Zoey, as well as the broader mythology of the Honmoon barrier that protects the world from demons. Director Maggie Kang said this in a recent interview with The Ankler: “Most movies end with a possibility because you always want to keep that door open. There’s a lot of stories that we can tell. There’s a lot of backstories that we haven’t fleshed out. There’s a lot of things that we can do, whether we’re officially doing it, we don’t know. It’s only been five weeks, so it’s still pretty early.“
- Live-Action Remake: A live-action version of the film is under consideration, potentially featuring actual K-pop stars to bring the musical and action elements to life. Co-director Maggie Kang has expressed curiosity about how fans would respond to a live-action adaptation, though some worry it could dilute the animated original’s charm.
- Animated Series: Netflix is exploring a television series to dive deeper into the K-Pop Demon Hunters universe. This could focus on past hunters, like Rumi’s mother, or explore new eras and musical styles, expanding the lore beyond the main trio.
- Stage Musical: A Broadway-style stage musical is in early discussions, aiming to capitalize on the film’s infectious soundtrack and high-energy performances. This move mirrors Disney’s success with Frozen on stage, potentially bringing HUNTR/X’s demon-hunting antics to live audiences.
- Short Film as Bridge Content: A short film, similar to Frozen Fever, is being considered to serve as a narrative bridge between the main films, keeping fans engaged with new stories and music.
K-Pop Demon Hunters: A Phenomenal Success
Since its release on June 20, 2025, K-Pop Demon Hunters has shattered expectations. The animated musical, produced by Sony Pictures Animation, follows the K-pop girl group HUNTR/X—Rumi, Mira, and Zoey—who double as demon hunters protecting the world from supernatural threats. The film’s unique blend of K-pop culture, mythology, and vibrant animation has resonated with audiences worldwide, achieving milestones that few Netflix originals have matched.
- Record-Breaking Viewership: The film hit a new peak with 26.3 million views in its sixth week, making it the first Netflix original to reach a viewership high so late in its run. It’s now the most-watched animated film in Netflix history, surpassing Adam Sandler’s Leo, and is expected to crack the platform’s all-time top 10 list soon.
- Soundtrack Domination: The film’s fictional bands, HUNTR/X and the rival Saja Boys, have taken over global music charts. The song “Golden” reclaimed the #1 spot on the Billboard Global 200, with the soundtrack logging 96.3 million streams in its third week alone.
- Critical Acclaim: With a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, critics have praised the film’s sharp humor, stunning visuals, and authentic representation of Korean culture, calling it a “love letter to K-pop” and a “sharply observed” take on pop culture.
Final Thoughts
KPop Demon Hunters is something that is bringing everyone across the globe together. The beats, the animation, and the story, all drive fellow music and film lovers to watching this film over and over again. Many fans are excited for future plans, with one exception. There are very few fans out there who want a live-action adaptation and would prefer to stick to its animated style of artwork, so they don’t “lose the magic.” Well, let’s all hope the magic continues and that this is only the beginning of a massive franchise.
