Don't Expect a KPop Demon Hunters Live-Action Sequel: Here's Why
After its June 20, 2025 debut turned it into Netflix’s most-watched original animated film, KPop Demon Hunters still may not be headed for a live-action sequel, with directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans casting doubt on leaving animation behind.
Netflix has a monster hit on its hands with KPop Demon Hunters. It dropped June 20, 2025 and almost immediately shot to the top, setting a record as Netflix's most-watched original animated film. So of course everyone is already asking the directors if a sequel might go live-action. Short answer: do not hold your breath.
So... live-action?
Directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans told Comic Book Resources they are not exactly itching to trade the animated style for flesh-and-blood actors. Kang was blunt: a live-action version would be much harder than what they just pulled off. And what they just pulled off was already hard.
"It is not just about recreating real life, it is about a kind of distillation of it. You are trying to push everything. If it is a shape, you push the shape. If it is an idea, you push the idea... and that does create a certain framework that works really well with this tone."
That is Appelhans explaining why the film's heightened style works in animation and would be a headache to translate beat-for-beat in live-action. The vibe of this world depends on being able to exaggerate designs and ideas without breaking reality. Try that in live-action and it can get awkward fast.
Why animation still fits
Kang doubled down, basically saying: if making the first movie was a heavy lift, a live-action sequel would be an even heavier one. They are not closing the door forever, but the enthusiasm is clearly with animation. It matches the tone, the action, and the candy-colored fantasy the movie lives in.
Not anime, by the way
One small note that might surprise some fans: Kang and Appelhans do not consider KPop Demon Hunters to be anime. Stylistic influence? Sure. But in their minds, it is not an anime production.
What the cast wants next
Arden Cho, who voices Rumi, told Variety back in August 2025 that she is hoping the door stays open for a rescue mission in the sequel: Jinu is top of her list. She called the world magical and wide open, and she is not wrong — the first film definitely leaves room to play.
Bottom line: if and when KPop Demon Hunters 2 happens, expect animation to stay the default. The directors like the toolbox they have, and given the record-breaking audience for the first movie, it is hard to argue. The original reporting on the directors' comments came via Comic Book Resources, with the story first picked up by Ishita Verma at SuperHeroHype.