‘KPop Demon Hunters 2' is Looking More Likely
In a recent story from Puck's Matt Belloni, he lays out some of the film's financials, namely that it cost Sony over $100 million to produce, and only about $20 million is going to the studio, even with the film's brief, upcoming theatrical run. (It can also release the film in China, should the government allow it.) Sources told the reporter the deal between studio and streamer allows for Sony to make more KPop movies, and it's already entering negotations with co-directors Maggie Kang and Chris Applehans. Netflix isn't obligated to renegotiate, so if that happened, the sequel could be shopped around elsewhere or come to the big screen.
Why didn't Sony just put out KPop Demon Hunters in theaters itself? Per Belloni, it made two deals with Netflix in 2021: one deal, a 'direct-to-platform' arrangement, made so the streamer could greenlight and release a minimum number of Sony-made movies for animation and live-action, and Sony would be paid a $20 million premium on top of each film's individual budget.
With all this laid out, it's a question of what'll happen with KPop Demon Hunters 2, distribution-wise. Industry people told Belloni they doubt the first movie would've taken off like this if it came to theaters first, largely because original animated movies have had a rough go in theaters, and KPop itself steadily built up momentum over time. But Netflix's dislike of theatrical releases has just resulted in Stranger Things creators Matt and Ross Duffer going over to Paramount, and Sony knows how to market and distribute movies for the big screen. Whether Netflix comes along for the ride, it probably won't be long before we're hearing from Huntr/x again.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
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