Kpop Demon Hunters vs Frozen on Netflix

This week, the animated film “KPop Demon Hunters” made history on Netflix by becoming the first original film to hit a new viewing peak in its sixth week, with a whopping 26.3 million views. This achievement topped the previous weeks and solidified its status as the most popular Netflix animated film of all time. With its infectious songs and a storyline set in Seoul, the movie has resonated with audiences worldwide, reaching the top 10 rankings in all countries. Moreover, a song from its soundtrack, “Golden,” even climbed to the #1 spot on the Billboard Global 200 chart.

Given its overwhelming success, Netflix is considering expanding the franchise with two sequels, a live-action remake, and even a stage musical. Co-CEO Ted Sarandos highlighted the film’s impact during an earnings call, emphasizing its potential for lasting success. Drawing a parallel to Disney’s “Frozen” franchise, Netflix sees “KPop Demon Hunters” as a property that can extend beyond the film medium.

In line with this vision, plans are in motion for additional projects, including a live-action remake, series, and potential sequels to form a trilogy. The idea of a short film to bridge the mainline features is also under consideration, reminiscent of Disney’s strategy with the “Frozen” franchise. Merchandising efforts are underway to capitalize on the film’s popularity, with plans for partnerships with outside retailers and corporations like Samsung.

The soundtrack of “KPop Demon Hunters” is gaining traction, with tracks like “Golden” being submitted for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards. The film itself is already generating early awards buzz, similar to the trajectory of “Frozen.” While directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans have yet to sign on for future projects, Netflix, and Sony Pictures Animation are committed to continuing their collaboration on the franchise.

The success of “KPop Demon Hunters” is all the more remarkable considering its humble beginnings. Initially announced in 2021, the film was part of a partnership between Sony Pictures Animation and Netflix. Despite early skepticism, the movie quickly gained momentum, leading to its record-breaking performance on the streaming platform. As Netflix looks to expand the franchise, it remains poised to capitalize on the global appeal of “KPop Demon Hunters” and further solidify its status as a cultural phenomenon.