It would be the understatement of the year to say that K-Pop Demon Hunters is popular. Not only is the film, which follows the K-Pop group HUNTRI/X as they use the power of their voices to protect the world from soul-sucking demons, still number one on the streaming platform’s top 10 most-streamed movies list, it’s fictional bands are dominating real-life global music charts on Apple Music and Spotify. The HUNTRI/X song ‘Golden’ even has a spot on Billboard’s Top 100. So what’s next for this unexpected mega-hit? We finally have an answer.
A new report from The Wrap reveals that Netflix is referring to the animated sensation as its very own Frozen. With a reputation like that, it’s not hard to see why the streaming juggernaut has one thing in mind: expanding the franchise. Netflix and Sony Animation (which made K-Pop Demon Hunters) are already planning two animated sequels, and, to my chagrin, a live-action remake.
Now I’m not one of those people who think all live-action remakes are bad — I thoroughly enjoyed Disney’s take on The Jungle Book — but the concept of a live-action K-Pop Demon Hunters fills me with dread. That’s because the movie’s defining feature is its truly stupendous and show-stopping animation. (To be clear, the bombastic earworms and heartfelt story are great too, but it’s the visuals that make K-Pop Demon Hunters truly special.)
I have no doubt talented actors could bring Rumi, Zoey, Mira, Bobby and the SAJA Boys to life, but could they replicate the devious, cartoonish smiles of the girls as they tuck into their ramyeon; the action-packed combat of swords slicing through demonic flesh; or the explosions of a plane and HUNTR/X performing while flying through the air? Can live-action capture the gorgeous moment where Rumi, Zoey, and Mira have a Sailor Moon-esque transformation and come together to defeat the big bad? I don’t think so. These moments matter because they are just as much character-driven as they are there to wow and entice the audience.
More importantly, animation is just as valid and powerful of a format to tell a story as live-action. The idea that cartoons are for kids is a ridiculous one to even entertain in 2025, especially when the fandoms for movies and shows like K-Pop Demon Hunters tend to skew from teenager to young adult. Hell, they’re even playing K-Pop Demon Hunters songs in the literal club!
A live-action remake seems like a waste of resources that could be put towards something far more fun, like a K-Pop Demon Hunters video game, or even a TV series (though, that is, apparently, also being considered as well).
Ultimately, Netflix and Sony Animation are going to do whatever they want. Live-action is profitable, just look at the Lilo and Stitch film. Still, I’d rather take the live-stage musical instead (also being considered, according to The Wrap). That, at the very least, feels more honest in conveying K-Pop Demon Hunter’s spirit.
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K-Pop Demon Hunters is available to watch now on Netflix.
