By KPop Demon Hunters may have conquered the globe, but the co-directors of the Netflix sensation are not enthusiastic about the notion of a live-action adaptation.
While KPop Demon Hunters was accumulating views on the streaming platform, a report suggested that Netflix was contemplating everything from a trilogy to a stage production, and a live-action remake. However, co-directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans are not persuaded by the concept.
“There are so many facets of the tone and the humor that are incredibly suited for animation,” Kang remarked to the BBC.
“It’s really challenging to envision these characters in a live-action setting. It would seem too grounded. So genuinely it wouldn’t resonate with me,” she added.
Appelhans concurred: “One of the remarkable aspects of animation is the capability to create composites of impossibly fantastic traits. Rumi can be this silly comedian and then singing and executing a spinning back-kick a moment later, and then plummeting through the sky.
“The delight of animation lies in how far you can stretch and enhance what’s achievable,” he continued. “I remember when they adapted various animes, and oftentimes, it merely feels somewhat awkward.”
While a live-action remake may not be forthcoming after all, there appears to be an animated short on the horizon, potentially a prequel.
KPop Demon Hunters is not just Netflix’s largest film ever, but with an astounding 325.1 million views, it is the largest Netflix release ever unreservedly – displacing Squid Game season 1, which held the title for four years with its 265.2 million views.
Recently, concept art for the film has resurfaced, hinting at a markedly different artistic style for the main trio.
You can stream KPop Demon Hunters on Netflix now, or expand your watchlist with our guide to the finest Netflix films.