‘This Is The Question We Ask Ourselves’: Sony Head Honcho Reflects On Decision To Sell KPop Demon Hunters To Netflix Instead Of Releasing It Theatrically

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This summer, Netflix’s original series “KPop Demon Hunters” broke all records as its most successful production ever. The show’s catchy soundtrack, heartwarming message that resonated deeply with viewers, and authentic Korean representation were major contributors to its success. In fact, the movie’s popularity was so immense that it filled theater seats during a sing-along weekend screening, even dominating the box office temporarily. This has left some pondering whether Sony Animation missed an opportunity by selling the series to Netflix instead of giving it a shot in theaters. Interestingly enough, the studio’s CEO has also contemplated that possibility.

As a passionate fan, I found myself pondering if Sony Pictures CEO Ravi Ahuja might have considered releasing “KPop Demon Hunters” directly in theaters instead of debuting it on Netflix first. During a recent conference, this is what he shared about that idea:

“From my perspective, streaming services like Netflix have provided an exciting avenue for audiences to access our content at their convenience. However, I do recognize the power and allure of a theatrical release, particularly for a project as unique as ‘KPop Demon Hunters’. That being said, it’s essential to weigh various factors before making a decision. Our primary goal is always to ensure that the viewers have an enjoyable experience, regardless of the platform they choose.

This question has been on everyone’s mind, including ours. Initially, it seemed fitting that this production be released on Netflix, given its specific theme and the pandemic situation. However, looking back, one might wonder if a theatrical release could have been an option. Interestingly enough, Netflix did end up screening the film in movie theaters as well.

If Sony had the opportunity to travel back in time, they might be curious to explore whether a series like “KPop Demon Hunters” would have experienced similar success if it was initially released in cinemas, much like “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” or earlier “Hotel Transylvania” films. Ahuja’s remarks (via The Hollywood Reporter) offer insights into why Sony chose to release it on Netflix instead.

Firstly, production began in 2021, a year following the COVID-19 pandemic, raising questions about its ability to thrive in an unpredictable movie theater environment. Secondly, due to concerns that the K-pop theme might be too specialized for broad appeal, the studio opted against taking a risk and launching it on a large scale theatrical release.

Access Netflix, a platform that has invested substantially in the movie. For quite some time, Sony Pictures Animation and Netflix have enjoyed a strong partnership, primarily because Sony’s animation division was the first to deliver movies like “Vivo,” “Wish Dragon,” and “The Mitchells vs. the Machines” on Netflix. However, none of these films have achieved the cultural resonance that we find in “KPop Demon Hunters.” During a recent conference about this topic, Ahuja made the following statement:

This paraphrased version retains the original’s clarity and simplicity while adjusting the language for a more casual tone.

Initially, KPop Demon Hunters found its footing on Netflix, and through word-of-mouth, it gained popularity. Transitioning to a theatrical release would be more challenging. I believe that Netflix was the ideal platform for this series. However, it’s intriguing to speculate if it could have succeeded in theaters. It’s difficult to definitively answer that question.

The widespread popularity of KPop Demon Hunter has been clearly demonstrated, as its music has dominated this year’s charts and soundtracks, with “Golden” currently holding the No. 1 spot on Billboard Hot 100, and three other songs ranking among the top 10. Remarkably, it managed to earn $20 million at the box office, achieving this feat despite not being screened in any AMC Theatre location.

Is it intriguing to ponder whether the success of ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ would have been as substantial if it hadn’t debuted on Netflix first? Furthermore, could its release potentially enhance the revenue of the 2025 summer movie season?

Moving forward, the past is behind us, and it’s exciting news that a sequel to the popular “KPop Demon Hunters” is in development under Netflix, given their ownership of the franchise, including merchandising rights. Regardless of who gets credit, it’s clear that Sony Animation has achieved something monumental with this movie, and I’m pleased to see them share the spotlight with Netflix as we eagerly await more adventures from these musical demon hunters.

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2025-09-07 02:50