We already knew that Sony Pictures Animation and Netflix were moving forward with a sequel to the insanely popular KPop Demon Hunters. Today we have more unsurprising news on that front: directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans are returning to helm that sequel. And for those who want to know more about Kang and Appelhans’ careers, we also got word that they’ve signed a multi-year deal, meaning we’ll likely see more projects from them in the future.
“With KPop Demon Hunters, Maggie and Chris didn’t just reach audiences, they ignited a global fandom that crossed languages, generations, and genres. We’re incredibly proud to deepen our partnership with them and, together with our partners at Sony Pictures Animation, build this universe in ways that will surprise and delight fans all over the world,” Netflix’s chief content officer Bela Bajaria said in a statement via Netflix’s website, Tudum.
“I feel immense pride as a Korean filmmaker that the audience wants more from this Korean story and our Korean characters,” Kang told Tudum. “There’s so much more to this world we have built, and I’m excited to show you. This is only the beginning.”
Appelhans added, “These characters are like family to us, their world has become our second home. We’re excited to write their next chapter, challenge them, and watch them evolve—and continue pushing the boundaries of how music, animation, and story can come together.”
The news is well-timed. The Oscars are happening this weekend, and KPop Demon Hunters is expected to justifiably do well there.
We don’t have details yet on what the sequel will be about, and it’s not confirmed yet whether Mark Sonnenblick, the songwriter from the first film, will be coming back. There’s still plenty of time, however, so odds are good that he might join the project in the coming months.
We’ll have to wait several years, sadly, to see the sequel. Animation projects take time, and even the projected release year of 2029 might be too optimistic. The first feature, of course, is currently streaming on Netflix.
