After becoming one of Netflix’s biggest global hits of the year, KPop Demon Hunters might just be gearing up for an even bigger stage — the Oscars. And if that wasn’t enough to excite fans, the film’s directors say they’re already thinking about what a sequel could look like.
“We never made this just for awards — but we’d be lying if we said it isn’t surreal.”
Co-director Maggie Kang told Entertainment Weekly that while the film wasn’t crafted specifically for awards season, seeing it enter the Oscars conversation feels “completely unreal.”
“This movie started as a love letter to Korean pop culture and animation,” Kang said. “But seeing people talk about it alongside the year’s biggest Oscar contenders — that’s something we never imagined.”
Her co-director, Chris Appelhans, added that the movie’s mix of music, myth, and modern themes might help it stand out.
“It’s an animated film, sure — but it’s also got real emotion, identity struggles, and cultural energy. If the Academy looks beyond traditional boundaries, maybe we’ve got a shot.”
Can a genre-bending animated film really compete at the Oscars?
It’s a fair question. Historically, musicals and animated movies rarely crack major categories like Best Picture. But KPop Demon Hunters has been defying odds since its release.
The film not only dominated Netflix’s global charts but also sparked viral K-pop soundtracks, massive fan art campaigns, and a wave of praise from both Western and Asian critics. Some awards pundits even call it a “dark horse contender” for Best Animated Feature — and maybe even more.
Still, experts caution against getting too carried away. As one industry insider told Gold Derby, “Animation faces a tough road at the Oscars. But this one has momentum — and momentum matters.”
What about a sequel? “Oh, we’ve talked about it — a lot.”
While Oscar buzz swirls, fans are just as curious about what comes next. According to reports from The Guardian and EW, Netflix and Sony are already in early talks for a sequel.
Kang hinted that many character stories were “just scratching the surface” in the first film.
“Zoey and Mira’s pasts… there’s so much we haven’t told yet,” she said. “We’ve built this world that feels too big for one movie.”
Appelhans echoed that thought, saying the creative team has “tons of ideas” for where the story could go — from exploring the origins of demon hunting to introducing new cosmic threats.
If a sequel gets the green light, it would mark the first time a Netflix original animated feature expands into a cinematic universe.
Still early days — but fans are hopeful
There’s no confirmed production start date, but insiders say a potential KPop Demon Hunters 2 could land as soon as 2026, depending on how negotiations between Netflix and Sony shake out.
For now, the directors are staying grounded — and grateful.
“The fans made this movie what it is,” Kang said. “Awards, sequels — those are just bonuses. What matters most is that people saw themselves in these characters.”
Bottom Line:
KPop Demon Hunters has already broken records and barriers. Whether it conquers the Oscars next or returns for a second round of supernatural pop stardom, one thing’s clear — this isn’t the last we’ve heard from its fierce, glitter-powered heroes.
