Netflix has signed directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans to a multi-year deal tied to the future of the KPop Demon Hunters franchise, just days before the original film heads into the 98th Academy Awards with two major nominations. The agreement includes their return to direct KPop Demon Hunters 2, which has now entered early development with Sony Pictures Animation producing.
The timing of the announcement is notable. The original KPop Demon Hunters is nominated for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song at this year’s Oscars, placing the film in a prominent position during awards season. The song “Golden,” performed by the voices behind fictional girl group HUNTR/X — Rei Ami, Audrey Nuna, and Ejae — will compete in the Best Original Song category during the ceremony.
By securing the directors before the awards broadcast, Netflix appears to be ensuring creative continuity for a project that has gained global attention since its release. Both Kang and Appelhans directed the original film, and their involvement in the sequel suggests the studio intends to maintain the tone and visual style that helped establish the franchise.
At this stage, KPop Demon Hunters 2 remains in the early phases of development. Industry reports indicate the directors will shift their focus to the sequel after the current awards cycle concludes. Sony Pictures Animation, which also worked on the first film, will once again handle production.
No release date has been confirmed. Some early speculation suggested a 2029 launch window, though that timeline remains uncertain. Large-scale animated productions often require several years of development, storyboarding, voice recording, and rendering. Even with the original creative team returning, a multi-year production schedule is typical for projects of this scope.
The original film will also receive a notable moment during the Academy Awards broadcast. Oscar producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan have confirmed a performance segment inspired by the film’s music and cultural themes. The stage presentation will include traditional Korean instrumentalists and dancers, reflecting the folklore elements that influenced the story and soundtrack.
This spotlight reflects the broader cultural footprint the film has developed since its release. KPop Demon Hunters blends elements of Korean pop music culture with supernatural storytelling, positioning itself as a hybrid of musical animation and action fantasy. That combination helped the film gain traction internationally, particularly among younger audiences familiar with both K-pop and animated streaming content.
For Netflix, the multi-year deal with Kang and Appelhans also fits into its broader strategy of building recognizable animated properties that can extend beyond a single release. In recent years the streaming platform has expanded its investment in animation, seeking projects with global appeal that can translate across markets and languages.
Securing the original directors suggests the company is aiming for long-term stability around the franchise while development on the sequel begins. Whether the film wins at the Oscars or not, the deal positions Netflix to continue building on the existing audience for the property.
The 98th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, March 15, airing live on ABC in the United States and streaming on Hulu. Viewers in the United Arab Emirates can watch the ceremony starting at 11 p.m. GST. The original KPop Demon Hunters remains available to stream on Netflix, including versions with Arabic subtitles.
