Netflix’s animated hit KPop Demon Hunters has officially become one of the biggest surprise successes of the year. The movie’s songs have exploded on music charts worldwide, even surpassing tracks by major global artists. Fans have been eagerly discussing rumors of multiple sequels, including one live-action and a musical version. But now, the film’s creators have finally addressed the speculation, and shut down one of the biggest hopes fans had.
Speaking to BBC News, co-director Maggie Kang made it clear that the story will stay animated. “There are so many parts of the tone and humor that work only in animation,” she said. “It’s hard to imagine Rumi, Mira, and Zoey in a live-action world. It would feel too grounded, and that’s not what this story is about.”
Co-creator Chris Appelhans agreed, explaining that the movie’s magic lies in its exaggerated visuals and energy. “One of the great things about animation is that you can blend impossible qualities in one moment. Rumi can be silly, sing her heart out, pull off a back-kick, and then be falling through the sky all in the same scene. That’s the joy of animation,” he said. Turning that into live-action, he added, would make everything feel “stiff” and lose its spirit.
Although fans are disappointed that they won’t get to see the HUNTRIX girls and Saja Boys in real-life form, the excitement around the franchise hasn’t slowed down. KPop Demon Hunters has confirmed that talks for a second animated movie are already underway. The creators hinted that the sequel may dig deeper into the backstories of the main characters, exploring how they became the powerful and lovable idols fans adore today.
Even without a live-action version, KPop Demon Hunters continues to dominate pop culture, both as a musical and an animated sensation.