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KPop Demon Hunters’ Directors Rule Out Live-Action as Netflix Record-Breaker Expands Off-Platform

The filmmakers say the series’ hyper-stylized magic and comedy only work in animation.

Overview

  • Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans told the BBC they have no plans for a live-action version, arguing the characters and visual comedy rely on animation.
  • The film is Netflix’s most-watched ever with roughly 236 million views since its June 2025 debut, surpassing Red Notice.
  • Its soundtrack achieved four simultaneous Top 10 entries on the Billboard Hot 100, with “Golden” spending six weeks at No. 1 and the album earning RIAA Platinum status.
  • A limited two-day sing-along event played on about 1,700 U.S. screens and led the Aug. 23–24 weekend box office with an estimated $18 million.
  • Creators have indicated sequels exploring origin stories remain possible, while press reports point to a real-world HUNTR/X project and planned live presentations.