KPop Demon Hunters 2 will reportedly play in cinemas, a notable change for a studio that has long kept theatrical runs to a minimum. IGN reports that the detail appeared in an October 20 Hollywood Reporter story about the exit of Netflix film chief Dan Lin. THR notes the move “hasn’t been officially announced”.
How the news surfaced
The theatrical plan was a passing mention in THR’s account of Lin’s departure rather than a standalone announcement. According to IGN, Lin helped secure the release for the sequel. Comic Book Movie adds that, per THR, the final call belonged to co-CEO Ted Sarandos. Netflix hasn’t said how wide the release will be, or when it will open.
The date remains the 2029 target. IGN says Variety reported in November 2025 that Netflix and Sony had signed a deal for a second animated film, with a 2029 release planned.
A shift in Netflix’s film strategy
IGN says Lin was a strong advocate for cinema releases because he saw rising demand among younger moviegoers. Sarandos, by contrast, favoured the pandemic-era approach of going straight to streaming. The first film helped tip that argument. IGN notes Netflix added limited-time theatrical screenings once the film took off, and they proved popular.
The numbers explain why. Geek Culture reports the film became Netflix’s most-watched title ever, ahead of live-action films and series. It also won Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for “Golden” at both the Oscars and the Golden Globes. Our Golden Globes winners guide covers where to stream that season’s winners in the UAE.
What else is in the pipeline
IGN says The Wrap reported plans around the same time for a live-action movie, a stage play, two sequels forming a trilogy, a spinoff series and a short film. Netflix hasn’t announced any of those. Co-director Maggie Kang told Variety in July that the first film left “a lot of questions” unanswered because “there’s only so much movie you could tell in 85 minutes.”
For readers in the region, the film already had a following before any cinema release. According to FlixPatrol, it ranked third on Netflix’s UAE Top 10 movies chart for the week of July 14-20, 2025, as we covered at the time.
Is KPop Demon Hunters 2 officially coming to cinemas?
Not yet. THR reports a full theatrical release is secured, but Netflix hasn’t announced it, and no window or markets have been confirmed.
When will KPop Demon Hunters 2 be released?
IGN says Variety reported a 2029 release plan in November 2025. No firm date has been announced.
Will it show in UAE cinemas?
No regional plans have been reported. We’ll update this story if Netflix or a local distributor confirms cinema dates for the UAE, Saudi Arabia or Egypt.
