Will Netflix’s K-Pop: Demon Hunters Get a Live-Action Remake? Creator Weighs In

KPop Demon Hunters is blowing up right now — huge Netflix numbers, a hit single, awards chatter — which naturally leads to the question nobody can resist: when is the live-action version happening? Short answer: it is not.

The directors are not into a live-action remake

Co-director Maggie Kang shut that door during a BBC interview on a European press stop, and she did not mince words.

"There are so many elements of the tone and the comedy that are so suited for animation. It is really hard to imagine these characters in a live action world. It would feel too grounded. So totally it would not work for me."

Her directing partner Chris Appelhans backed her up with a very animation-nerd (complimentary) explanation of why the movie sings in this format.

"One of the great things about animation is that you make these composites of impossibly great attributes. Rumi can be this goofy comedian and then singing and doing a spinning back-kick a second later and then freefalling through the sky. The joy of animation is how far you can push and elevate what is possible."

Translation: the heightened tone, the whip-fast gear changes, and the physics-defying fight beats that make the film pop would look awkward if you tried to ground them with real people and real gravity. Honestly, that tracks.

Where things stand right now

• Streaming: The film has passed Squid Game with over 325 million views on Netflix — a ridiculous run for an animated feature.
• The story: It follows K-pop trio Huntr/x as they take on demonic boy band Saja Boys. Yes, that is exactly as fun as it sounds.
• The music: The anthem "Golden" spent several weeks at No. 1 worldwide. Chart-nerd surprise: it tied "Sugar Sugar" by The Archies for the longest-charting animated act in U.S. history.
• Awards buzz: It is considered a frontrunner for Best Animated Feature, and Netflix has officially submitted "Golden" for Best Original Song.
• What is next: Kang says she is excited about the potential for more stories with these characters, adding there is "definitely more we can do with these characters in this world."

So, sequel over remake

If you are hoping for a live-action version, the filmmakers are telling you not to hold your breath. The creative team believes the movie works because it is animated, not in spite of it. The better bet? More Huntr/x adventures in the same high-energy animated sandbox — especially if those monster numbers keep climbing and the awards conversation keeps humming.