Introduction to Kpop Demon Hunters
Kpop Demon Hunters has become a cultural phenomenon this year, with over 325 million views, making it the most-watched title in Netflix history. The animated film tells the story of a highly successful female Kpop trio, Huntr/x, who hold huge concerts while trying to save the world from evil forces. The film’s success can be attributed to its unique blend of music, animation, and storytelling.
The Creators’ Vision
Maggie Kang, the creator and co-director of Kpop Demon Hunters, expressed her excitement about the potential for more stories involving the animated girl group Huntr/x. Kang and co-director Chris Appelhans believe that they can definitely do more with these characters in this world. The directors are proud of how the film turned out and are open to exploring more stories in the future.
Record-Breaking Success
The film has broken one record after another. A Sing-A-Long version, released in August, became the first Netflix film ever to top the US box office. The film’s music also reached the top of the US singles and album charts, making it the first soundtrack in history to have four songs in the US top 10 simultaneously. The film’s anthem "Golden," sung by Huntr/x, was at number one for eight weeks.
Oscar Possibilities
It is now believed that Kpop Demon Hunters could win the Oscars. Critics loved the film, which has a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The influential Gold Derby predictions website now has it as the favorite for best animated film. The film could also be a strong contender for best original song, with three numbers submitted for consideration.
The Directors’ Favorites
Netflix has already stated that breakout hit Golden will be included in Academy consideration. The directors are torn between submitting "Your Idol" and "What it Sounds Like" for the remaining two slots. Kang thinks "Your Idol" is a blast, while Appelhans chooses "What it Sounds Like" for its technical challenge and emotional impact.
Summer of Success
The film’s success continues to grow, with it still being the most-watched film in 19 countries, including the UK and US, four months after its release. The Kpop stars who provide vocals for Huntr/x appeared on Saturday Night Live and performed on Jimmy Fallon’s US chat show. The directors are proud of the film’s success and attribute it to the fans who have embraced the film.
Not Anime, But Inspired by Korean Culture
The directors want to make it clear that they don’t believe their film should be classified as anime. They were influenced by Korean filmmakers and K-dramas, which were part of a broad spectrum of tones they wanted to hit. The film’s style is unique and blends different elements of Korean culture and animation.
No Live-Action Adaptation
The directors are quick to shut down rumors of a live-action adaptation of Kpop Demon Hunters. They believe that the film’s tone and comedy lend themselves well to animation and that a live-action adaptation would feel too grounded. The beauty of animation is how far you can push and push what’s possible, and the directors don’t want to limit themselves to a live-action world.
A Sense of Accomplishment
No matter what happens this awards season, Kang says her expectations for the film have already been more than exceeded. The goal was to connect people and get them into Kpop, and the film has already done that. The directors are proud of what the film has achieved and feel like they’ve won in a way, regardless of any awards or recognition.
