Fans eagerly awaiting a follow-up to the blockbuster animated musical KPop Demon Hunters will likely need patience, as co-director Maggie Kang has confirmed a "long wait" for any potential sequel due to the extended production demands of high-quality animation.

KPop Demon Hunters
KPop Demon Hunters

In a recent Bloomberg interview published Feb. 19, 2026, Kang addressed the future of the Netflix hit, which shattered streaming records upon its June 2025 release and became the platform's most-watched animated film ever. While she stopped short of official confirmation, Kang acknowledged the strong demand for more stories featuring the demon-slaying K-pop girl group HUNTR/X — Rumi, Mira and Zoey.

"I can't really say that officially, but in a world that loves sequels, I don't think it's a surprise that something else could be coming," Kang told interviewer Mishal Husain. "But it's going to be a long wait unfortunately, because animation takes a long time."

The comment tempers earlier optimism around a quicker turnaround. Reports from late 2025 indicated Sony Pictures Animation and Netflix had agreed to develop a sequel targeting a 2029 release, roughly four years after the original's debut. However, recent statements from Sony executives, including Animation President Kristine Belson, have downplayed that timeline as overly ambitious.

In interviews with outlets like IGN and The Hollywood Reporter, Belson emphasized the intense workload facing animation studios, including commitments to other projects and the meticulous process required for feature-length animated films. "There's been a lot to tend to," Belson noted, suggesting 2029 might prove unrealistic given current priorities and the labor-intensive nature of the medium.

Kang's update arrives as KPop Demon Hunters continues its award-season momentum. The film, co-directed by Kang and Chris Appelhans, earned nominations and wins at events like the 2026 Annie Awards, where it dominated categories for character animation, music and direction. Its blend of K-pop energy, supernatural action and cultural representation resonated globally, spawning fan communities, viral edits and live performances by the voice cast portraying HUNTR/X.

The original story followed the trio balancing idol fame with secret battles against demons threatening the world, voiced by talents including Ejae, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami and others, with Lee Byung-hun as the villainous Gwi-ma. Kang has previously teased untapped potential in character backstories and expanded lore, including side stories cut from the first film and possibilities for global demon-hunting adventures beyond Korea.

In a Collider interview following an FYC screening, Kang and Appelhans described their vision for a sequel as "bolder and bigger," promising heightened stakes, deeper emotional layers and boundary-pushing elements. "We're up for the challenge," Kang said, hinting at darker, more ambitious storytelling while maintaining the humor, heart and musical spectacle that defined the original.

Despite the enthusiasm, the animation pipeline remains a significant hurdle. Feature animation often spans four to six years from concept to completion, involving storyboarding, voice recording, intricate character design, complex effects for demon battles and music production. The success of KPop Demon Hunters has only intensified expectations, but Kang stressed the importance of quality over speed.

"Animation just takes a long time," she reiterated in the Bloomberg piece, echoing industry-wide realities amid staffing shortages and rising production costs. Sony Pictures Animation, which developed the film before its Netflix deal, continues negotiations for the follow-up, with Kang and Appelhans expected to return if talks progress.

Fan reactions have been mixed. Social media buzz reflects excitement tempered by disappointment over the delay, with some expressing concern that a prolonged wait could diminish momentum for the franchise. Others praised Kang's candor and commitment to delivering a worthy successor rather than rushing production.

The film's cultural impact extends beyond streaming metrics. It introduced broader audiences to K-pop elements while celebrating Korean heritage through storytelling, music and visuals. Kang, a Korean-Canadian filmmaker, has spoken about creating the project for her younger self, emphasizing representation and empowerment for young viewers.

As award season continues — with potential Oscar buzz lingering — attention shifts to how Sony and Netflix navigate the sequel's development. No official greenlight or detailed timeline has been announced beyond Kang's tempered outlook.

For now, fans can revisit the original on Netflix, stream the soundtrack topping charts or engage with fan creations. Kang expressed gratitude for the support, noting the "whirlwind" response has been overwhelming yet grounding.

While a sequel appears inevitable given the film's unprecedented success, the road ahead underscores the patience required in animation. As Kang put it, the wait may be long, but the promise of bolder adventures could make it worthwhile.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tdLYsc-KBY