Scene from “KPop Demon Hunters.”
NETFLIX
The sing-along version of KPop Demon Hunters is coming back to theaters this week following a successful weekend run in late August.
An animated musical produced by Sony Pictures Animation, KPop Demon Hunters originally debuted on Netflix on June 20. Since then, according to Netflix’s Tudum, the film has been viewed 325.1 million times — which equates to 541.8 million viewing hours — making it the most-streamed Netflix original movie of all time.
The logline for KPop Demon Hunters reads, “When they aren’t selling out stadiums, Kpop superstars Rumi, Mira and Zoey use their secret identities as badass demon hunters to protect their fans from an ever-present supernatural threat. Together, they must face their biggest enemy yet – an irresistible rival boy band of demons in disguise.”
Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the film stars the voices of Arden Cho as Rumi, May Hong as Mira and Ji-young Yoo as Zoe. The voice cast features Ahn Hyo-seop as Jinu, Kim Yunjin as Celine, Daniel Dae Kim as Healer, Ken Jeong as Bobby and Lee Byung-hun as Gwi-Ma.
The sing-along version of KPop Demon Hunters is returning to theaters for one weekend only, from Friday, Oct. 31, through Sunday, Nov. 2. Much like it did for its new theatrical release of Guillermo del Toro’s new version of Frankenstein, Netflix has created a ticketing site for viewers to find where the film is playing in their area.
AMC Theatres Is Among The Chains Playing ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ This Weekend
The singalong version of KPop Demon Hunters first played on 1,700 screens in North America from Aug. 22-24, earning $19.2 million at the domestic box office for a No. 1 finish.
The biggest difference with the re-release of the film in theaters on Halloween, though, is that in addition to Regal, Cinemark and other small chains, AMC Theatres will be showing the film. AMC hasn’t traditionally exhibited Netflix films on its screens, but the re-release of KPop Demon Hunters on 400 AMC screens in North America and Europe this weekend signals a new relationship between the companies, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
“Netflix, the world’s largest streaming service, and AMC Entertainment, the world’s largest theatre chain, have jointly decided to work together,” an AMC spokesperson said in a statement on Oct. 15 (via THR). “While the two companies have not had a commercial relationship in recent years, both Netflix and AMC are intrigued by the mutually beneficial opportunities that could arise from this and future collaboration.”
KPop Demon Hunters is facing off against only one major new release this weekend in theaters: Emma Stone’s alien invasion satire Bugonia, which is expanding to 1,800 theaters. The total theater count for KPop Demon Hunters has not been revealed, including the 400 AMC screens, has not been revealed.