Since KPop Demon Hunters debuted on Netflix and took the world by storm, there was a lot hypothesis about how the franchise, brimming with potential, will proceed. Whereas experiences reveal that Netflix and Sony are in negotiations for a KPop Demon Hunters sequel, rumors have additionally been swirling a couple of potential live-action adaptation, given this pattern’s reputation in Hollywood.
KPop Demon Hunters creator and co-director Maggie Kang beforehand commented on the opportunity of a live-action take, sounding no less than intrigued by the thought. Kang informed Forbes in June 2025: “I actually loved [How To Train Your Dragon]. I used to be sitting within the theater considering, I’m wondering if anyone would need to see a live-action KPop Demon Hunters. What would that be like?“
Nonetheless, she has seemingly since modified her thoughts, now agreeing with a number of the mentioned potential issues with a live-action KPop Demon Hunters. In an interview with the BBC, Kang stated: “It is actually exhausting to think about these characters in a live-action world. It could really feel too grounded. So completely it would not work for me.” Kang’s co-director, Chris Appelhans, additional commented:
One of many nice issues about animation is that you simply make these composites of impossibly nice attributes. Rumi will be this goofy comic after which singing and doing a spinning back-kick a second later after which freefalling by way of the sky.
The enjoyment of animation is how far you possibly can push and elevate what’s potential. I keep in mind they tailored numerous completely different animes and infrequently instances, it simply feels a bit stilted.
KPop Demon Hunters follows a trio of Okay-pop superstars who moonlight as demon hunters. They’re portrayed as goofy, relatable characters, typically counting on exaggerated animation practices to convey their silliness. Nonetheless, their friendship and mission are jeopardized because of the lead singer, Rumi (Arden Cho), maintaining her personal demon heritage a secret.
Along with a number of the film’s greatest comedy coming throughout the perfect in animation, the medium is a device to raise the themes of connection by way of music and the way the singers’ vocal powers work. Their performances and their followers’ ardour gasoline the Honmoon, a magical barrier that protects the world from demons, and which is a placing visible all through the film.
In reside motion, this ingredient, in addition to the demons, would most likely all require a specific amount of CGI, with outcomes that might be very cheesy. Animation permits for KPop Demon Hunters’ world and musically-driven motion sequences to be extra fantastical, which is tough to think about in live-action, although Disney has repeatedly tried to make it work with numerous CGI characters.
Kang additionally importantly factors out: “It could really feel too grounded.” This underscores that a part of KPop demon Hunters’ attraction is its whimsical tone, which carries a resonant and critical story, sustaining a cautious stability in themes. Nonetheless, making one thing extra critical by remaking it in live-action, historically thought to be the extra prestigious medium, doesn’t work for each piece of artwork.
Reside-action remakes proceed to proliferate in Hollywood as a result of they’re confirmed field workplace heavy hitters, bringing followers of beloved properties out in droves. A live-action KPop Demon Hunters would most likely see these outcomes. Nonetheless, Kang and Appelhans are selecting to maintain working throughout the medium they imagine is greatest suited to the story.
- Launch Date
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June 20, 2025
- Runtime
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96 minutes
- Director
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Chris Appelhans, Maggie Kang
- Writers
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Hannah McMechan, Chris Appelhans, Maggie Kang, Danya Jimenez
