'KPop Demon Hunters 2' reportedly secures theatrical release after first film’s success

'KPop Demon Hunters 2' to reportedly receive theatrical release following first film’s record-breaking Netflix success

KPop Demon Hunters 2 has reportedly secured a theatrical release following the first film’s success on Netflix.

The sequel’s cinema plans were mentioned in a report by The Hollywood Reporter on October 20, although an official announcement has not yet been made.

According to the report, former Netflix film chief Dan Lin helped secure a theatrical release for the upcoming animated film before his departure from the company.

The move follows the popularity of limited theatrical screenings for the original KPop Demon Hunters, which became Netflix’s most-watched offering.

Netflix and Sony reportedly agreed to develop a second animated film in November 2025, with a release planned for 2029.

Further projects connected to the franchise have also been discussed, including a live-action adaptation, a stage production, a spin-off series and a short film. However, these additional projects have not been officially confirmed by Netflix.

The original film follows Huntrix as the group balances its musical careers with protecting the Honmoon. Co-director Maggie Kang has previously indicated that there are more stories to explore within the franchise.

“We’ve set up so much for potential backstory,” she told Variety in July. “Obviously, there’s a lot of questions that are left unanswered and areas that are not explored. We had to do that because there’s only so much movie you could tell in 85 minutes.”

The first film’s success has extended beyond streaming, generating merchandise, sing-along screenings and collaborations with brands including McDonald’s, Fortnite and LEGO.

Its singers, EJAE, Rei Ami and Audrey Nuna, have also performed the film’s music at major events, including the Oscars.

The reported theatrical plans reflect a broader discussion at Netflix about releasing films in cinemas. The Hollywood Reporter noted that Lin supported theatrical releases, recognising demand for cinema experiences among younger audiences, while co-chief executive Ted Sarandos favoured a strategy centred on streaming.