‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Sequel Moves Forward With Original Directors

A sequel to KPop Demon Hunters is happening, and the original directors, Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, are returning to lead the project.

As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Kang and Appelhans have signed a new multi-year contract with Netflix. This deal means they will write and direct the sequel to the popular animated movie expected in 2025.

Sony Pictures Animation is making a sequel, but a release date hasn’t been announced yet. Recent reports suggest it will probably be released after 2029.

I’m hearing from The Hollywood Reporter that the Kang and Appelhans project is still very much in the beginning phases. They’re planning to really dive in after awards season wraps up, which makes sense – everyone gets caught up in that craziness!

Kang, the filmmaker, expressed immense pride that audiences are eager to see more of the Korean story and characters he’s created. He shared his excitement about expanding this world and hinted that this is just the start of what’s to come.

We feel a strong connection to these characters – they’re like family, and their world feels like a second home to us. We’re thrilled to continue their story, explore new challenges for them, and see how they grow. We also want to keep innovating the way music, animation, and storytelling work together,” Appelhans said.

For their part, Netflix couldn’t be more excited for their new partnership with the directing duo.

Netflix is excited to continue working with Maggie and Chris, the creators of KPop Demon Hunters. Their show has built a huge international fanbase, and Netflix, along with Sony Pictures Animation, plans to expand the story in unexpected and exciting ways, according to Netflix’s head of content, Bela Bajaria.

The animated film KPop Demon Hunters has received two Academy Award nominations: Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for its track, “Golden.” The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will be held this Sunday, March 15th.

Besides the film’s nominations, the singers behind the group HUNTR/X – EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Reri Ami – will be performing their song “Golden” on this year’s live broadcast.

Animated Movies KPop Demon Hunters Fans Must See

Belle (2021)

Inspired by the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast, the 2021 anime film Belle tells the story of a shy high school student who finds escape and expression as a popular singer in a virtual world. The film is filled with music and follows her journey to overcome personal trauma and use her voice to help someone she loves. Belle is beautifully animated, features a sweeping fantasy storyline, and is emotionally resonant, all supported by a fantastic and memorable soundtrack.

Perfect Blue (1997)

Please be aware that Perfect Blue is not suitable for children. However, for mature audiences, Satoshi Kon’s 1998 anime film is a stunning and frightening exploration of fame, obsession, and who we really are. It tells the story of a young J-pop singer who starts to lose her grip on reality after leaving her group to become an actress, and finds herself targeted by a dangerous stalker.

Over the Moon (2020)

Released on Netflix in 2020, Over the Moon tells the story of a young girl who journeys to the moon to find the legendary moon goddess, Chang’e. She hopes to prove her mother’s memory will live on. Inspired by a classic Chinese tale, the film is filled with vibrant animation and upbeat songs, all while exploring heartfelt themes of loss, love, and healing after a difficult time.

Turning Red (2022)

Released in 2022, Turning Red is a charming animated film about a Chinese Canadian girl who magically turns into a giant red panda when she feels strong emotions—a fun way to explore the ups and downs of growing up. The movie is full of energy, with colorful animation, a story about friendship and accepting yourself, and catchy pop songs from the made-up boy band 4*Town.

Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)

Laika Studios’ 2016 film, Kubo and the Two Strings, is a beautifully animated fantasy adventure set in feudal Japan. It follows a young boy’s incredible quest to protect his family with the help of a magical instrument. The film is full of emotion, stunning music, and draws heavily from Japanese folklore, combining exciting action with a touching story about family and forgiveness.

Nimona (2023)

As a huge animation fan, I was completely blown away by Nimona. It’s based on this incredible graphic novel, and the movie tells the story of Nimona, a teenage shapeshifter who doesn’t quite fit in, and a knight trying to redeem himself. Together, they uncover a really dark secret in their kingdom. The setting is amazing – it’s like a medieval world, but with futuristic technology! And the animation? Seriously, it’s so expressive and energetic – the action scenes really pop. But beyond all the cool visuals, it’s a surprisingly touching story about accepting yourself, being true to who you are, and fighting against prejudice. It really resonated with me.

Big Hero 6 (2014)

Disney’s Big Hero 6, set in the futuristic city of San Fransokyo, tells the story of a brilliant young inventor who forms a team of heroes after a heartbreaking loss. Along with Baymax, a kind and helpful healthcare robot, they discover a dangerous scheme threatening their city. Inspired by the Marvel Comics team of the same name, this vibrant 2014 animated film combines exciting action with memorable characters and a touching story about loss and the bonds of family.

Trolls World Tour (2020)

2020’s Trolls World Tour is the most cheerful movie on this list. It’s about Poppy and Branch, who team up to stop Barb, a rock queen, from eliminating all other types of music and taking over the troll world. The movie is incredibly colorful and energetic, looking like a vibrant, handmade craft project. It’s filled with positive characters, including country trolls inspired by centaurs and a K-pop girl group with voices provided by the real band Red Velvet.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse tells the story of Miles Morales, a teenager from Brooklyn who becomes the new Spider-Man. He joins forces with Spider-People from different universes to stop a villain who threatens to destroy everything. The movie, released in 2018 to widespread praise, is known for its unique, comic book-inspired animation. But at its core, it’s a story about a group of engaging characters and what it truly means to be special.

White Snake (2019)

I recently saw White Snake, a stunning animated film from 2019 that reimagines a classic Chinese folktale. It tells the story of a snake demon who turns into a woman, loses her memory, and is then rescued by the man who hunts snakes – naturally, they fall in love. It’s a beautiful, sweeping epic that explores themes of free will, what we’re willing to give up for love, and the difficulties of relationships that defy expectations. Be warned though, it’s definitely not a kids’ movie; there are moments of both sensuality and violence that make it better suited for more mature audiences.

2026-03-12 21:56