KPop Demon Hunters 2 is golden just days before the first movie’s starring role at this Sunday’s Oscars ceremony, with Netflix snapping up directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans for the sequel as part of a multi-year writing and directing deal.
The Hollywood Reporter said Sony Pictures Animation is behind the sequel, as expected, having produced the phenomenally successful original for Netflix last year. While there’s no release window for KPop Demon Hunters 2, THR said the reported 2029 release date is unlikely “given how many years it takes to make an animated project of this size.” This one is at the very early stages, with Kang and Appelhans said to be turning their attention to the sequel once the awards season is wrapped up.
Speaking of which, KPop Demon Hunters is expected to win the best animated feature award at the Oscars this weekend. Meanwhile, the Oscars producers recently confirmed that the 98th annual Academy Awards will include two “moments” highlighting two of last year’s most beloved films, Sinners and of course KPop Demon Hunters, and that they will include even more than the standard performances of the nominated original songs.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the section of the ceremony honoring KPop Demon Hunters will include a performance of the hit track Golden, which is nominated for best original song. The singing voices behind the film’s central girl group HUNTR/X — Rei Ami, Audrey Nuna, and Ejae — will perform the single, with a “fusion of traditional Korean instrumentalists and dance celebrating the folklore and cultural inspiration behind the animated film” rounding out the film’s highlight moment.
“This year, our music performances are inspired by two of the most powerful cultural phenomena in film: Sinners, the most nominated film in Oscars history, and KPop Demon Hunters, a global pop culture sensation,” producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan explained in a statement. “These show moments are more than just performances — they expand into cinematic tributes that celebrate the relationship between music and storytelling and why these films resonated so deeply with audiences around the world.”
There’s a lot more going on at the Oscars this year, including a Marvel reunion “for the superhero fans,” and even a Bridesmaids reunion. The 98th Academy Awards will be broadcast live on ABC, as well as streaming on Hulu, on Sunday, March 15 beginning at 7pm ET. The Oscars is on high alert amid an FBI warning of a potential Iran drone attack on California in retaliation for the war.
Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
