Academy Award–Nominated Filmmakers Enter Creative Partnership with Netflix

 

Academy Award–Nominated Filmmakers Enter Creative Partnership with Netflix

A new chapter is beginning for two of animation’s most distinctive voices.

Academy Award–nominated filmmakers Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans have entered into an exclusive multi-year writing and directing partnership with Netflix, marking a major step forward in the studio’s expanding commitment to animation storytelling. The agreement covers new animated projects and includes the development of a sequel connected to the global success of “KPop Demon Hunters.”

The sequel will become the first project under the new deal, with Kang and Appelhans returning as writer-directors. The film will again be produced in partnership with Sony Pictures Animation, the studio behind some of the most visually inventive animated features in recent years.

The original film struck a chord with audiences around the world, blending music, action, and cultural storytelling in a way that crossed borders and generations. Its success quickly turned the film into a global phenomenon, creating a passionate fan base and opening the door for a larger creative universe.

Kang sees the response as deeply personal.

“I feel immense pride as a Korean filmmaker that the audience wants more from this Korean story and our Korean characters,” she said. “There’s so much more to this world we have built, and I’m excited to show you. This is only the beginning.”

For Appelhans, the characters themselves have become part of daily life.

“These characters are like family to us, their world has become our second home,” he said. “We’re excited to write their next chapter, challenge them and watch them evolve — and continue pushing the boundaries of how music, animation and story can come together.”

Netflix executives say the project represents exactly the kind of global storytelling the company hopes to support.

“With KPop Demon Hunters, Maggie and Chris didn’t just reach audiences, they ignited a global fandom that crossed languages, generations, and genres,” said Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer. “We’re incredibly proud to deepen our partnership with them and, together with our partners at Sony Pictures Animation, build this universe in ways that will surprise and delight fans all over the world.”

According to Dan Lin, Chairman of Netflix Film, the filmmakers took a creative risk that paid off in historic ways.

“Maggie and Chris were brave enough to take a bold, creative swing by telling a story that was both deeply personal and broke cultural barriers,” Lin said. “At Netflix, our goal is to make someone’s favorite movie — and they did that by making the most popular Netflix movie of all time. There's so much more story to tell, and we can't wait to bring more HUNTR/X to fans everywhere.”

The partnership also reflects the strong creative relationship between Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation, which will continue producing the upcoming sequel.

“Championing the bold creative visions of our filmmakers is at the heart of everything we do at Sony Pictures Animation,” said Kristine Belson and Damien de Froberville, Presidents of Sony Pictures Animation. “Maggie and Chris brought their incredibly distinct perspectives to this film, telling a story audiences embraced around the globe. We are thrilled to work with them to expand their vision in the next chapter.”

With the deal now in place, Kang and Appelhans are poised to build on the momentum of their breakout success—expanding the world they created while continuing to explore new possibilities for music-driven storytelling in animation.

For fans of HUNTR/X, the message from the filmmakers is clear: this story is far from over.