Once a demon slayer, always a demon slayer. At least, that’s the hope.
Sony Pictures is chatting with Netflix about an animated sequel to KPop Demon Hunters. This film has quickly become a cultural hit, something every studio dreams of finding.
Recently, Netflix surprised viewers by releasing a sing-along version of KPop in theaters over a weekend. The film has also claimed the title of the most-watched English-language movie ever on Netflix, with millions chiming in. These developments have sparked debate over whether Sony made the right choice in handing the film to Netflix back in 2021. Some believe Sony missed an opportunity to release it as a big theatrical title, especially since original animations have seen a downturn in box office success since the pandemic.
Take Pixar, for example. Their recent original film Elio debuted to just $21 million—its lowest ever—and struggled to make back its sizable budget. This shows how tough the market has become for unique animated stories.
Opinions on Sony’s decision vary. Some insiders believe they should have taken the risk of a theatrical release, suggesting that they underestimated the film’s potential. One insider remarked, “It was bad luck for them.”
On the bright side, profitability for Demon Hunters could reach 20% to 30%. Sony initially partnered with Netflix by agreeing to cover the film’s $100 million budget. They also receive a share of the soundtrack and music publishing fees. However, merchandising rights remain with Netflix.
Recently, Netflix reported that KPop now leads its list of the most-watched films, amassing a whopping 236 million views. This surpasses Red Notice, which starred major names. The film attracts family audiences, especially young women, demonstrating the power of targeted content.
In another achievement, KPop’s soundtrack marked a milestone by placing four songs in the Billboard Top 10 simultaneously, with the track “Golden” leading the charge.
For Netflix, the success of Demon Hunters is significant. Happy kids and families are now essential to Netflix’s strategy. Some kids are watching the movie six to eight times, showing its strong replay value.
Reports suggest that the relationship between Sony and Netflix has been harmonious. Netflix’s animation head, Hannah Minghella, has a history with Sony, creating a solid bond. Netflix’s head of film, Dan Lin, expressed appreciation for Sony’s creative team, emphasizing the collaboration between the two studios.
Importantly, Lin mentioned that Netflix allows films to grow their audience over time. This flexibility stands in contrast to theaters, where slow starts can be costly. As buzz builds, Demon Hunters has increased its viewership even weeks after its release.
While a sequel is on the horizon, it hinges on a partnership between Sony and Netflix. They both need each other to make it happen.
So, fans will have to wait and see how this partnership unfolds.
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box office,KPop Demon Hunters,music