Kpop Demon Hunters Sequel Faces Significant Delay Until 2030
The animated musical sensation Kpop Demon Hunters, which emerged as one of the biggest hits of 2025, will not receive a sequel as soon as previously anticipated. While an initial release date for the next instalment was tentatively set for 2029, a new report from The Hollywood Reporter suggests that the film may not be ready until 2030 or even later. This extended timeline has left fans with a prolonged wait for the continuation of the beloved story.
Directors Occupied with Oscars Campaign
Kristine Belson, the current president of Sony Pictures Animation, explained the delay in a recent interview. She revealed that directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans are fully immersed in the first film's Oscars campaign, leaving little room to commence work on the sequel. 'There’s been a lot to tend to in terms of the awards campaign. After all the noise and awards and big parties with big people — yes. It’ll be back to the two of them in a room,' Belson stated when questioned about the duo's involvement in the follow-up project.
Fan Reactions: Frustration and Understanding
The prospect of a sequel arriving next decade has elicited a spectrum of responses from the fanbase. On social media platform X, some expressed disappointment, with one user commenting, 'Generational fumble. The kids who loved this will have aged up and out by then.' Another added, 'The kids who are obsessed with it today are going to have long moved onto something else by then.' A third warned, 'I know we all want a quality sequel but waiting too long will kill the brand,' while a fourth drew parallels to Frozen 2, noting it may lack the cultural impact of the original.
Conversely, other fans advocate for patience, emphasising the intricate nature of animated film production. One supporter wrote, 'I’d rather wait four years for a masterpiece than two years for a cash grab. Let them cook.' Another commented, 'If the sequel is half as good as the first one and they need that time to make it just as good then that is completely fine.' A third highlighted the standard timeline, stating, 'Some people genuinely don’t understand just how hard it takes to create an animated movie. It's a long process and requires time and money, regardless of the films quality. Most standard animated sequels take anywhere between 4-5 years minimum.'
Unprecedented Success of the Original Film
Released on June 20, 2025, Kpop Demon Hunters achieved remarkable milestones, becoming the most-watched original title in Netflix history and the most-streamed film in the United States for that year. A sing-along version even topped the US box office two months post-release. The soundtrack set records, with four songs simultaneously in the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 and earning double platinum certification in the US. The single Golden, performed by the fictional girl group Huntrix, not only topped the charts but also became the first K-pop song to win a Grammy award.
Awards and Cultural Impact
Currently, the film is nominated for Best Original Song and Best Animated Feature at the upcoming Academy Awards, with strong favouritism to win in both categories. The narrative follows a chart-topping South Korean girl group living dual lives as demon hunters, culminating in a battle against the five-member K-pop boy band, the Saja Boys, who are demons in disguise. This unique blend of music and fantasy captivated audiences worldwide.
Comparisons to Frozen Franchise
The delay pattern mirrors that of Disney's animated blockbuster Frozen, which grossed over $1.3 billion upon its 2013 release. Its sequel, Frozen 2, arrived six years later in 2019, yet still grossed over $1.4 billion, demonstrating that a lengthy hiatus does not necessarily diminish commercial success. As Kpop Demon Hunters navigates its own extended development phase, the industry watches to see if it can replicate such enduring appeal.
