The HUNTR/X girls are coming back, and the internet is absolutely losing it. Netflix officially confirmed the KPop Demon Hunters sequel on March 12, 2026, and the returning creative team has already started teasing what fans can expect. Here is everything confirmed so far.
Is the KPop Demon Hunters Sequel Confirmed?
Yes, the KPop Demon Hunters sequel is officially happening. Netflix confirmed on March 12 that directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans will return to helm the Sony Pictures Animation-produced follow-up to the hit 2025 animated film.
The sequel forms part of Netflix’s newly inked multiyear writing and directing partnership with Kang and Appelhans across animation.
KPop Demon Hunters Sequel Release Date
No official release date is confirmed yet. Netflix had previously been eyeing a 2029 release, however that window is increasingly viewed as ambitious by insiders. Sony Pictures Animation co-president Kristine Belson has already suggested the 2029 target may be too optimistic, and as of June 2026, many analysts now consider a 2030 release more realistic given the complexity of animation production and the high bar set by the first film.
Director Maggie Kang has also noted there will be a “long wait” because animation simply takes a long time to produce. For reference, the first KPop Demon Hunters film took over four years to reach screens after Sony officially announced it in development in March 2021.
Where to Watch the Original KPop Demon Hunters
KPop Demon Hunters premiered on June 20, 2025, only on Netflix. You can stream it now, along with a sing-along version, while you wait for the sequel.
Current Development Status
As of June 2026, the KPop Demon Hunters sequel is in active pre-production. Story development and early concept art are currently underway, however full animation production has not started yet. Storyboarding and character design are progressing, but full animation is still estimated to be 12 to 18 months away from beginning.
Nothing beyond the first sequel is officially greenlit at this stage, though Netflix continues to explore a larger universe around the franchise.
What We Know About the Story
The directors have not revealed a full plot for the sequel yet. However, they have dropped several hints about the direction they want to take.
What the directors have confirmed:
Director Maggie Kang told Variety that the first film was Rumi’s story, and both Zoey and Mira have fully developed backstories that the team could not fit into the original 85-minute runtime. “We have backstories for Zoey and Mira, ones that we actually put in the movie, but it just kind of rejected it. It just wasn’t the movie for those stories,” she said.
Speaking to the BBC in October 2025, Kang and Appelhans confirmed “there’s definitely more we can do with these characters in this world” and that whatever the sequel becomes, “it will be a story that deserves to be a sequel.”
More recently, Kang told Deadline that she and Appelhans want to keep the follow-up “fresh, surprising and original,” adding, “We want full control of that, because this is now a franchise and the creative is so important. The K-pop fans are very strict and they will notice.”
The directors have also revealed that they are actively reading fan theories and discussions, and some story elements may be influenced by what the fandom wants to see, particularly around Zoey and Mira’s backstories.
Will There Be More Than One Sequel?
Possibly. Netflix is still exploring a larger universe around the IP, potentially including a trilogy and additional spin-off projects such as a stage musical. Netflix is reportedly referring to the project internally as their version of Frozen, given the unprecedented global interest and success.
However, nothing beyond the first sequel is officially greenlit at this point. Netflix has also denied that a live-action adaptation is currently in discussions, and the directors themselves pushed back strongly on the idea. Kang stated that the tone and comedy of the film are “so suited for animation” and that the characters “would feel too grounded” in a live-action setting. Appelhans agreed, pointing to the joy of animation in pushing what is physically possible for characters.
Will the Sequel Have New Music?
Yes. One of the biggest selling points of the original was its soundtrack, and the HUNTR/X singers have already confirmed they are working on new music for the sequel. EJAE stated backstage at the Golden Globes, “We’re friends, and we’re definitely going to work on more music together.” Fans can expect another major original soundtrack with multiple K-pop style tracks, and potentially more K-pop artists doing their own covers, much like TWICE’s Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung did with “Takedown” for the first film.
Voice Cast
The main voice cast is expected to return, however, no official confirmations or signed contracts have been announced yet. The original cast includes:
| Character | Voice Actor | Singing Voice |
| Rumi | Arden Cho | EJAE |
| Mira | May Hong | Audrey Nuna |
| Zoey | Ji-young Yoo | Rei Ami |
| Jinu (Saja Boys) | Ahn Hyo-seop | Andrew Choi |
How Big Was the Original Film?
To understand why the sequel is such a big deal, here is a quick look at how the original performed:
| Milestone | Detail |
| Premiere Date | June 20, 2025 on Netflix |
| Total Views | 325.1 million+ (most popular Netflix English-language film ever) |
| Rotten Tomatoes Score | 95% critics, 99% audience |
| Oscars Won | Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song (“Golden”) |
| Grammy Won | Best Song Written for Visual Media (“Golden”) |
| Billboard Hot 100 | “Golden” reached No. 1 for 8 nonconsecutive weeks |
| Soundtrack | First with four simultaneous Top 10 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 |
| Global Streams | Over 10 billion streams for the soundtrack |
Is a KPop Demon Hunters Concert Tour Happening?
Yes. Netflix and AEG Presents have officially announced a real-world global concert tour for KPop Demon Hunters. The tour is currently in the planning stages, with first dates expected to be announced in late 2026 or early 2027.
What the Cast and Creators Have Said
Kang said in her statement confirming the sequel, “I feel immense pride as a Korean filmmaker that the audience wants more from this Korean story and our Korean characters. There’s so much more to this world we have built, and I’m excited to show you. This is only the beginning.”
Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria added, “With KPop Demon Hunters, Maggie and Chris didn’t just reach audiences, they ignited a global fandom that crossed languages, generations, and genres. We’re incredibly proud to deepen our partnership with them and, together with our partners at Sony Pictures Animation, build this universe in ways that will surprise and delight fans all over the world.”
The sequel is still in early pre-production, so bookmark this page for updates as more information becomes available.
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