Rei Ami is as eager as fans for news about a “KPop Demon Hunters” sequel.
The Korean American rapper, who voices and sings for the character Zoey in Netflix’s record-breaking animated phenomenon, says she’s just as in the dark about a follow-up as everyone else.
“I’m waiting for the call, just like you! You’re gonna find out when I do, so we’ll chat then,” Ami told E! News on the red carpet for Heidi Klum’s Halloween bash, where she dressed as her character Zoey from the film’s opening scene.
The comment confirms what fans hoped: The cast wants to return. Now it’s just a matter of when—not if—Netflix greenlights what would surely be another streaming juggernaut.
A Cultural Phenomenon That Won’t Stop
Speaking to the ubiquity of “KPop Demon Hunters”—about a powerhouse K-pop girl group that must defeat a rival boy band of demons intent on taking over the world—Ami marveled at the film’s complete cultural saturation, especially in children’s Halloween costumes.
“It’s everywhere, I can’t get a break from it, oh my goodness … And I’m not complaining, please! I wanna see more,” Ami said.
Since its release, “KPop Demon Hunters” has broken multiple records for Netflix, becoming the most popular film the streamer has ever released. Its original soundtrack matched records previously set by Miley Cyrus and Harry Styles, cementing the film’s place in both animation and music history.
For Ami, who voices Zoey alongside Audrey Nuna (Rumi) and Ejae (Mira) as the fictional group Huntr/x, the success still feels surreal.
“This is a cultural phenomenon. The records, the headlines — it’s absolutely unprecedented. [I’m] so honored and in awe, and I think I’m just truly humbled by the power of music and good art and how it can really, truly — it sounds so cliché — change the world,” Ami reflected. “That’s exactly what this film and this soundtrack did, and it brought so much hope and light in[to] such a dim, grim world, so I am absolutely honored and privileged to be a part of it.”
From Netflix to Saturday Night Live
The film’s success translated into one of fall’s most memorable pop culture moments when Ami, Nuna, and Ejae made a surprise appearance on “Saturday Night Live” Season 51’s opening episode. Performing alongside Bad Bunny and Doja Cat, the trio delivered a showstopping rendition of chart-topping hit “Golden.”
The SNL performance underscored something remarkable: Huntr/x has transcended being “just” characters from an animated movie. They’re functioning as an actual musical act, with the trio maintaining their personas and delivering vocals that have dominated streaming charts worldwide.
Why a Sequel Makes Perfect Sense
From Netflix’s perspective, greenlighting a “KPop Demon Hunters” sequel should be easy. The first film shattered viewership records, the soundtrack generated massive revenue, merchandise sales have been extraordinary, and the property has demonstrated rare crossover appeal across demographics and international markets.
The Halloween costume ubiquity Ami mentioned is particularly telling. When animated characters become the costume of choice for children worldwide, you’ve achieved cultural penetration most franchises never reach. That organic popularity—kids begging parents for Huntr/x costumes because they genuinely love the characters—is marketing gold money can’t buy.
The film also benefits from relatively modest animation costs compared to live-action blockbusters, making profit margins even more attractive. A sequel wouldn’t require complicated negotiations with aging actors or logistical nightmares that plague many franchises.
What’s Next?
The first film ended with Huntr/x triumphant but the demon world still existing, leaving plenty of narrative territory unexplored. A sequel could delve into the demon boy band’s origins, deeper mythology about music and mystical power, and Huntr/x balancing fame with demon-hunting responsibilities.
Part of the film’s success stems from authentic representation. The film features Asian leads in a major animated production, incorporates K-pop authentically, and celebrates Korean American identity through characters who navigate multiple cultural worlds. For young viewers—particularly Asian American kids—these are animated heroes who look like them, sound like them, and share similar experiences.
The Wait Continues
For now, Rei Ami waits alongside fans for that call from Netflix. But the pieces are all in place: a cultural phenomenon with franchise potential, a proven audience, a chart-topping soundtrack, and performers eager to return.
“KPop Demon Hunters” isn’t just a successful film—it’s a property with staying power. Months after release, people are still talking about it, streaming the soundtrack, and dressing their kids as the characters for Halloween.
Given the animation production timeline—voice recording, animation, music production, and post-production could easily take two to three years—fans shouldn’t expect immediate news even once Netflix greenlights a sequel. But if the streaming giant has any business sense, that call is coming.
And when they do make it, Ami promises we’ll find out when she does.
“I wanna see more,” Ami said. So does everyone else. Now it’s Netflix’s move.
“KPop Demon Hunters” is currently streaming on Netflix.
