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Creators Confirm No Live-Action Adaptation for K-Pop Demon Hunters
15 Oct
Summary
- Creators cite challenges in translating animated film's tone and style to live-action
- Animation allows for flexibility in fight scenes, musical performances, and visual effects
- Creators open to expanding franchise through more animated stories and sequels

In a recent interview, the co-directors of the hit animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters, Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, have definitively stated that they have no intentions to turn the franchise into a live-action adaptation. The creators explained that the core strengths of the animated film, such as its heightened comedic timing, seamless transitions between musical performances and supernatural action, and overall stylized tone, would be difficult to replicate in a live-action format.
Appelhans further elaborated that animation allows for greater creative latitude in pushing the boundaries of visual effects, from gravity-defying fight scenes to sudden shifts in scale. Replicating such fantastical elements with live actors, he argued, could come across as awkward or limited. The directors cited prior live-action adaptations of anime and fantastical properties as examples of this challenge.
While the creators are not dismissing the possibility of expanding the K-Pop Demon Hunters universe, they remain firmly committed to the medium of animation. Kang hinted at the potential for a sequel or prequel in animated form, emphasizing that any future installment must "deserve to be a sequel." Meanwhile, reports suggest that Netflix and Sony are in talks over a sequel to the franchise, with the possibility of further exploring the backstories of its key characters.