Earlier this week, Netflix confirmed that KPop Demon Hunters had bcome the streaming service's most popular animated movie of all time. Now in its sixth week of release, the animated musical fantasy has racked up over 132 million views globally, and there's seemingly no signs of slowing down.
While Netflix has not yet announced plans to expand on KPop Demon Hunters, there is now a new report that claims plans are in motion to expand the the film into a full-fledged franchise.
In a lengthy article that explores how KPop Demon Hunters may have become Netflix's Frozen, TheWrap reports that there are plans to develop two more sequel movies, turning the single movie into a trilogy.
The article also goes on to reveal that Netflix is considering other potential projects as well, including a live-action remake of the animated film and possibly even a stage musical.
Netflix reportedly sees KPop Demon Hunter as having franchise potential, comparing it to Disney's Frozen. While KPop Demon Hunter won't achieve the box office success of Frozen, for the obvious reason that Netflix is streaming-only, there's still the potential for the company to capitalize on its popularity by turning it into a multimedia franchise that could include sequels, merchandise, various story adaptations, and more.
Speaking to ScreenRant, KPop Demon Hunters creator and co-director Maggie Kang had previously addressed the idea of a sequel, acknowledging that they are always thinking of ideas.
"There are always side stories, and there are things we've thought of while making this one," Kang said. "There are a lot of questions that are answered, but not fully. I think there are a lot of pockets that we can explore."
Any sequels Netflix has planned are likely still a few years out, so the company will need to find ways to keep K-Pop Demon Hunters relevant in an ever-evolving entertainment landscape. One way they could do so is with animated shorts, merchandise, and new music releases.
As previously reported, KPop Demon Hunters isn't just topping Netflix's charts, it's topping the music charts as well. The film's signature track "Golden" by HUNTR/X had officially climbed and held onto #1 on both U.S. and global Spotify charts. If Netflix can continue pumping out new tracks, it could help keep fans engaged.
When K-pop superstars Rumi, Mira, and Zoey aren’t selling out stadiums, they’re using their secret identities as demon hunters to protect their fans from ever-present supernatural danger. Together, they must face their biggest threat — an irresistible rival boy band of demons in disguise. From Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation (Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse), comes a fiercely fun and action-packed kpop odyssey featuring brand-new, original songs. Also featuring a new, original song performed by Jeongyeon, Jihyo, Chaeyoung of TWICE.
KPop Demon Hunters is currently streaming on Netflix.