If you already saw it on Netflix, chances are you also sang along to the animated crowd-pleaser in theaters this weekend.
KPop Demon Hunters has pulled in a surprising $18 million to $20 million with a special two-day event in theaters across North America, according to sources per The Hollywood Reporter.
Since Netflix doesn’t report box office tallies, we won’t ever know the actual number. As THR reported, the streamer has had a turbulent rapport with exhibitors in the past.
“Driving folks to a theater is just not our business,” Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos had said during an earnings call in April 2023. “Having big new desirable content drives value for our members and drives value for our business. There are no major changes in play.”
In effect, New Line and Warner Bros.’ horror smash Weapons will be listed as the official winner of the Aug. 22-24 weekend, with $15.6 million in its third outing.
But, as THR attests, adding Kpop Demon Hunters to cinemas this weekend was a smart move by Netflix in continuing to promote its own smash hit, while also keeping its users happy and even making a play for new subscribers.
Since debuting in June on the streaming platform, the animated musical fantasy film has transformed into a cultural phenomenon. As THR noted, its soundtrack has spent several weeks within the top 10 of the Billboard 200 chart, with several of its songs — led by “Golden” — also reaching the top of the charts.
It’s only a matter of time before a Demon Hunters follow-up — be it a sequel or spinoff series — is announced by Netflix.
In general, K-pop has continued to make its presence known in North America. At the beginning of this month, KCON returned to Los Angeles, where fans of all ages embraced Korean culture and celebrated their favorite K-pop idols. At the time, the LA City Council declared Aug. 1 “KCON Day” in honor of the festival’s return.