The Town with Matthew Belloni Why ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Is a Fascinating Hollywood Experiment
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Aug 25, 2025 
Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in the entertainment industry, joins to dive into Netflix’s surprising success with ‘KPop Demon Hunters.’ They discuss how it became a box office hit despite its earlier streaming release, exploring the movie's theatrical strategy and its implications for traditional Hollywood. Shaw analyzes the evolving landscape of film distribution, Netflix’s innovative marketing moves like a sing-along version, and the challenges theaters face today. The conversation wraps up with a playful look at potential cast changes in the upcoming season of SNL.
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Streaming Can Manufacture Cultural Moments
- Netflix's K-pop Demon Hunters proved a major cultural moment despite being on streaming first.
- The platform can create hits without traditional theatrical release and still capitalize with targeted stunts.
Theaters Used As Marketing Amplifiers
- Netflix put K-pop Demon Hunters in theaters mainly to extend momentum and marketing, not for core box office revenue.
- Theatrical runs serve as brand-solidifying events and community experiences for family properties.
Franchise Potential Drives Theatrical Stunts
- Netflix sees K-pop Demon Hunters as a potential multi-platform franchise with sequels, merch, and experiential events.
- A theatrical sing-along boosts franchise memory and consumer-product opportunities.