K-Pop Demon Hunters 2 set for major global theatrical release after original’s surprise box office success

Netflix is planning a much bigger theatrical strategy for K-Pop Demon Hunters 2 after the original movie showed that audiences were willing to pay to experience the franchise in cinemas.

Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos recently discussed the company’s evolving theatrical plans during Bloomberg’s *Screentime* event. Speaking about the K-Pop Demon Hunters 2 sequel, which is currently expected in 2029, he said viewers can expect a *“very broad theatrical release.”*

The decision comes after the first K-Pop Demon Hunters 2 became a major streaming hit and later showed unexpected box office potential despite originally being released as a Netflix title.

According to the reported figures, the animated film recorded 325.1 million views during its first 90 days on Netflix and remained in the platform’s global Top 10 for 63 consecutive weeks.

More importantly for Netflix’s theatrical strategy, a sing-along version was released in cinemas about two months after the streaming debut. Despite playing for only two days, the special screenings reportedly earned around $19 million and reached No. 1 at the box office.

Sarandos explained that Netflix is considering different theatrical strategies depending on the type of movie.

He said, *“On the other side, there are movies that the whole family watches together and watches multiple times. So we decided to treat those two kinds of films differently.”*

He pointed to upcoming large-scale theatrical releases including *Narnia* before adding, *“When the K-Pop Demon Hunters 2 sequel comes out, you can expect a very broad theatrical release.”*

Sarandos also explained that Netflix is not necessarily judging these releases only by how much money each movie makes in theaters. Instead, the company appears willing to take a theatrical risk on titles that have particularly strong audience potential.

He said projects such as *Narnia* and K-Pop Demon Hunters 2 are receiving large global releases because they have the possibility of generating significant theatrical interest without undermining Netflix’s overall business.

The original K-Pop Demon Hunters 2 follows K-pop stars Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, who secretly protect the world from supernatural threats while maintaining their careers as performers.

After the first movie’s limited sing-along release generated around $19 million in just two days, the sequel is now positioned for a far wider cinema rollout rather than another primarily streaming-focused launch.