Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos Confirms ‘KPop Demon Hunters 2’ Will Have A Very Broad Theatrical Release

When Netflix released a sing-along version of ‘KPop Demon Hunters‘ in theaters in August 2025, expectations were low, primarily seen as a fan event. However, it surprised everyone by topping the weekend box office with an estimated $19 million over just two days, marking the first time a Netflix title secured the No. 1 spot at the US box office.

This achievement was unusual for a company primarily focused on streaming. Netflix is known for not disclosing box office figures, and AMC had previously opted out of the sing-along run due to a boycott over Netflix’s reluctance to commit to a 45-day theatrical window. Nevertheless, the film’s dedicated fanbase showed up in droves, making it clear that Netflix could not ignore the potential of theatrical releases.

Now, Netflix is fully embracing this lesson. Co-CEO Ted Sarandos announced at Bloomberg Screentime in Los Angeles that fans can look forward to “a very broad theatrical release” for the sequel to ‘KPop Demon Hunters’, as reported by TheWrap.

Sarandos elaborated on Netflix’s strategy to adopt longer theatrical windows. Before the sequel’s release, ‘La Bola Negra’ will be the first to enjoy a full 45-day window, while Greta Gerwig’s ‘Narnia’ and the animated ‘Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory’ are also set for wide releases. Additionally, ‘The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth’ will be Netflix’s first film to hit IMAX in November.

Sarandos explained that Netflix aims to cater to movie enthusiasts who prefer the theater experience without diminishing the film’s value on the streaming platform. He noted that the most passionate audiences tend to watch films in theaters first, leaving casual viewers for the streaming release.

For ‘KPop Demon Hunters’, this strategy holds particular significance. Sarandos highlighted that children’s and family films often see a lot of repeat viewings, which explains why the first film remained on Netflix’s Global Top 10 for an impressive 63 consecutive weeks and garnered 325.1 million views within its first 90 days. A film with such strong rewatch potential is a prime candidate for a significant theatrical push.

While the timeline for the sequel remains unclear, Netflix confirmed on March 12 that it is in development with directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans returning under a multiyear animation deal. Although Deadline suggested a release in 2029, Netflix has yet to announce an official date, and Complex has questioned the feasibility of that timeline given the lengthy production process for large animated films.

A notable change is on the horizon. Variety reported that Netflix will start officially disclosing box office returns for six upcoming films, including ‘La Bola Negra’ on October 16 and ‘The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth’ on November 25. ‘Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew’ will be Netflix’s first wide release, screening in over 1,000 theaters.

This level of transparency would mark a new chapter for a company that has historically kept box office numbers under wraps, even when films like ‘Frankenstein’ were in theaters. If ‘KPop Demon Hunters 2’ follows suit, fans may finally get to see actual figures for a Netflix animated release, as the sing-along results were only estimates.

The franchise is also expanding beyond the screen. TheWrap noted that an immersive experience based on ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ is set to launch at Netflix House locations later this year. With theatrical releases, immersive attractions, and a sequel in the works, Netflix is significantly broadening its engagement with the property compared to a typical streaming original.

First teaser for ‘K-POP DEMON HUNTERS’, a new film from Sony Pictures Animation.

Trailer releases tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/nkOBuF0EXh

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) May 21, 2025

Sarandos was careful to frame this as a strategy rather than a complete shift. Wide releases will be reserved for titles with a dedicated audience, while smaller art-house films like ‘La Bola Negra’ will follow a different route. In essence, the theatrical push will be selective.

Nonetheless, ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ has already demonstrated its ability to fill theaters, sell out screenings, and dominate the weekend box office. With a “very broad” release now on the table, the sequel will be an important test of whether that fan enthusiasm can transition from a two-day event to a full theatrical run.

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