Thescreescore – The electrifying world of KPop Demon Hunters, which exploded onto Netflix and captured global attention, has sparked intense speculation about its future. While whispers of a Netflix and Sony sequel continue, the tantalizing possibility of a live-action adaptation has also been swirling, fueled by Hollywood’s current obsession with bringing animated properties to life. However, director Maggie Kang seems to have dramatically shifted her stance on the matter.
Just last year, Kang expressed a degree of intrigue regarding a live-action version of her creation. "I really enjoyed [How To Train Your Dragon]," she told Forbes in June 2025. "I was sitting in the theater thinking, I wonder if anybody would want to see a live-action KPop Demon Hunters. What would that be like?"
But in a recent interview with the BBC, Kang appears to have had a change of heart, now echoing concerns about the potential pitfalls of a live-action translation. "It’s really hard to imagine these characters in a live-action world," Kang stated. "It would feel too grounded. So totally it wouldn’t work for me."
Related Post
Co-director Chris Appelhans elaborated on the unique strengths of animation, emphasizing its ability to push the boundaries of believability. "One of the great things about animation is that you make these composites of impossibly great attributes," Appelhans explained. "Rumi can be this goofy comedian and then singing and doing a spinning back-kick a second later and then freefalling through the sky." He further noted the challenges of adapting anime, citing instances where the transition to live-action felt "a little stilted."
KPop Demon Hunters centers on a trio of K-pop idols who secretly battle demons. Their charm lies in their relatable goofiness, often conveyed through exaggerated animation. The story revolves around the lead singer, Rumi (Arden Cho), concealing her own demonic heritage, which threatens the group’s friendship and mission.
Beyond comedic effect, animation plays a vital role in amplifying the themes of connection through music and the singers’ vocal powers. Their performances and the passion of their fans fuel the Honmoon, a visually striking magical barrier that protects the world.
A live-action adaptation would likely necessitate extensive CGI for the demons and the Honmoon, potentially leading to a visually unappealing result. Animation allows for a more fantastical depiction of the world and the musically-driven action sequences.
Kang’s comment that a live-action version would feel "too grounded" is particularly insightful. The whimsical tone of KPop Demon Hunters is crucial to its appeal, carefully balancing lightheartedness with serious themes. Simply making something more serious by translating it to live-action, which is often perceived as the more prestigious medium, doesn’t guarantee success.
While live-action remakes are a lucrative trend in Hollywood, Kang and Appelhans seem committed to the medium that they believe best serves their story.
Leave a Comment