Netflix is about to give one of its biggest hits the big-screen treatment. During a recent appearance at Bloomberg's Screentime event, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos revealed that the highly anticipated sequel to KPop Demon Hunters will receive a wide theatrical release when it arrives in 2029. The move signals a significant shift in how the streamer approaches its most valuable properties.
"We're going to do a big wide release for Narnia next year, and then we'll do a big wide release for Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory at the end of the year," Sarandos explained. "We think they'll do great, and when the KPop Demon Hunters sequel comes, you can expect a very broad theatrical release."
The original KPop Demon Hunters debuted directly on Netflix on June 20, 2025, and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. It shot to #1 globally and shattered streaming records, racking up 325.1 million views in its first 90 days and spending an impressive 63 consecutive weeks in the Global Top 10. Critics were equally enchanted, giving the film a Certified Fresh 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Produced by Sony Pictures Animation, the film follows Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, members of the K-pop girl group Huntrix. By day, they sell out stadiums; by night, they use their secret identities as demon hunters to protect their fans from supernatural threats. Their greatest challenge comes in the form of the Saja Boys, a rival boy band that happens to be demons in disguise.
For the sequel, co-writers and directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans are returning, promising a bigger scale and new musical elements. With a 2029 release date still years away, fans have plenty of time to speculate about what's next for Huntrix.
Sarandos also addressed how Netflix will measure success for these theatrical titles, noting that it won't be tied to traditional profit-and-loss statements. "If you're gonna say, pick a little risk to the Netflix performance, it should have the potential for a very big upside in the theater," he said. This philosophy explains why films like Narnia and KPop Demon Hunters 2 are getting major global pushes while other projects may not.
The theatrical release strategy represents a notable evolution for Netflix, which has historically kept its original films exclusive to streaming. For the first time, the streamer will report box office numbers for these titles, a move that could reshape industry expectations.
While fans wait for 2029, they can revisit the original KPop Demon Hunters on Netflix. For more on Netflix's upcoming slate, check out our coverage of the October 2026 movie lineup and the Jason Bourne quadrilogy coming to the platform. And for another record-breaking Netflix phenomenon, see how The Eternaut became a global hit.
