Why a Live Action Adaptation of "KPop Demon Hunters" Is Not Likely to Happen

Since it launched on Netflix, KPop Demon Hunters took the world by storm with its unique premise and chart-topping soundtrack. The film presently holds the record for being the most viewed original film in the streaming platform's history, a feat that its creators and cast didn't expect. With awards season on the horizon, murmurs about Rumi (voiced by EJAE) and Jinu (voiced by Ahn Hyo Seop) possibly becoming Academy Award winners have began circulating. Who knows, right?

Amidst all the speculations, fans have also been clamoring for a continuation of the movie through whatever medium. While nothing has been confirmed yet, directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans can already say with confidence that a live-action version isn't very likely.

Speaking to the BBC, the directors emphasized how the soul of the movie (pun intended) lies in the animated world. Simply put, both the HUNTRIX and Saja Boys just wouldn't thrive when humanized. “[There are] so many elements of the tone and the comedy that are so suited for animation. It’s really hard to imagine these characters in a live-action world. It would feel too grounded," Maggie says. "So, totally it wouldn’t work for me.”

Chris adds that animation allows for each character to display their abilities best, be it as a pop star or as a soul-eating demon. "Rumi can be this goofy comedian and then singing and doing a spinning back-kick a second later and then free-falling through the sky," he illustrates.

Both creators acknowledge the different possibilities that could occur once the characters are played by real-life actors. The voices behind the HUNTRIX—EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami—have been gaining recognition for their work on the film, so casting them in a live-action adaptation would make sense.

However, both Maggie and Chris are firm in their stance that the narrative works best through animation. "The joy of animation is how far you can push and elevate what’s possible,” Chris states. "I remember they adapted a lot of different anime [into live action] and oftentimes, it just feels a little stilted."

While a live-action set-up may be off the table, a sequel is certainly still a possibility. Both creators recognize that the first film concluded with an open ending, which was sort of an intentional decision on their end.

"We’ve set up so much for potential backstory. Obviously, there’s a lot of questions that are left unanswered and areas that are not explored, and we had to do that because there’s only so much you could tell in 85 minutes," Maggie said. Nothing is confirmed yet, but she simply says that each character still has a backstory worth exploring. Guess we'll have to wait and see!

If you aren't already one of the billions who've watched it, you can stream KPop Demon Hunters on Netflix now.