Netflix announced the production of a sequel to KPop Demon Hunters, its 2022 animated film. The original, nominated for two Oscars, set audience records on the platform and its song Golden topped global charts. Directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans return for a project that marks the start of an exclusive partnership with the studio, suggesting the birth of a franchise.
Animation and character design: expanding the visual universe 🎨
The sequel poses a technical challenge by expanding the established universe. The animation team will need to create new settings and demon designs that maintain the vibrant and dynamic aesthetic of the first installment, without losing coherence. Additionally, the integration of musical choreographies with action sequences is expected to require rigorous previsualization and synchronization work between the animation and sound departments.
The next step? A crossover with the old-school ghostbusters 👻
With the promise of an expanding franchise, it's only a matter of time before spin-offs emerge. We might see KPop Demon Hunters: The College Years or a crossover where HUNTR/X has to solve a case with the 80s Ghostbusters, debating whether a speaker-shaped demon launcher is more effective than a proton beam. Business logic demands it.