Picture: Netflix
KPop Demon Hunters has already become Netflix’s most-watched animated movie launch of all time, surpassing Adam Sandler’s Leo, and in the next few weeks will be making its way onto Netflix’s all-time most-watched list, marking the first time ever for an animated property. As a result, new reporting has confirmed that Netflix is planning major expansions. Here’s what’s been said.
Yesterday, in a wide-ranging chat with The Ankler, the co-directors behind the movie expressed that they’ve already got plans themselves for the future. Maggie Kang told the outlet, “We have ideas,” when referring to the future, while Chris Appelhans, expanded, saying, “The world took a long time to build [the project was in development for 7 years], and there’s a lot of stuff that we had to figure out that didn’t belong in this movie. It feels like a fund. Sometimes you finish a movie and you feel like you exhausted that material in a good way. It’s a complete journey through that little story. This one feels like there are many possibilities, which is cool. It’s exciting. We don’t know what they are yet exactly, but it’s nice to know they’re out there.”
The pair also noted how “Netflix has creative rights to the property,” confirming the ball is full in Netflix’s court regarding what’s next for KPop Demon Hunters.
Now, today, The Wrap has numerous sources pointing to a large expansion of the franchise following its success.
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The outlet reports Netflix is eager to expand into a full-fledged global franchise. Netflix is already planning several major projects tied to the film’s universe. Among the most notable are two sequels, which would turn the film into a trilogy. The streamer is also actively exploring a live-action remake, an animated series, and a stage musical. In addition to these larger projects, a short film is being discussed that would serve as “bridge content” between the main features, similar to how Frozen Fever bridged the gap between Frozen and Frozen II. They also report on expansions in merchandise and brand deals in addition to plotting a big Oscars campaign for the film.
The outlet does note, however, that one hurdle in Netflix’s expansion plans is that the original directors, Kang and Appelhans, have not yet committed to returning for future projects.
Nothing is concrete, and unlike with previous movies that have gotten quick sequel announcements like The Gray Man, that’s yet to happen here.
Unlike Wish Dragon and The Mitchells vs. The Machines, which will remain on Netflix through 2031 and 2036, respectively, Netflix owns the rights to KPop Demon Hunters in perpetuity, we can report, and as confirmed by The Wrap, with sole control over the IP going forward. In the other two cases just listed, Netflix simply took over exclusive distribution for an extended period (10 and 15 years) from Sony Pictures Animation. The report suggests both Sony Pictures Animation and Netflix are keen to work on the franchise together.
How high will KPop Demon Hunters reach in the Netflix top 10s?
As we covered in our most recent top 10 report, KPop Demon Hunters is hurtling towards the all-time top 10 list, with it expected to break into the all-time charts as soon as next week, overtaking Damsel. How high it can go is really down to the continued steam the movie has. At the very least, the number 2 spot, taken by Carry-On earlier this year, may be attainable.. Who knows, though. If the series can continue its momentum, even Red Notice from 2022 may not be as unreachable as previously thought.
Its performance in its first week wasn’t all that impressive, though, as we spoke about at the time. Where the movie is defying the rules and all expectations, however, is how it’s not leveling off and in fact has grown in each of the six weeks since its initial release.
Of course, we’ll await official word from Netflix on the official future of the franchise as soon as we get it, but it should come as no surprise that the franchise is plotting a major expansion…
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