The Business ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ slays at the box office
Aug 29, 2025
Brady Corbet, co-writer and director of The Brutalist, shares his insights on the cinematic triumph of KPop Demon Hunters, a unique blend of music and magic that captivated audiences. He discusses the film's unexpected global success, despite its unconventional release. Corbet also reflects on his challenging journey in filmmaking and the necessity of a three-and-a-half-hour film with an intermission. Alongside Kim Masters and Matt Belloni, they explore the evolving landscape of film and the balance between artistic vision and market demands.
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Music Fueled A Streaming Phenomenon
- K-pop Demon Hunters became Netflix's biggest original movie largely because of its music and K-pop appeal rather than the film alone.
- Netflix turned streaming popularity into a theatrical phenomenon with a brief theatrical stunt that earned nearly $20M.
Studio Rights vs. Streaming Upside
- Sony sold K-pop Demon Hunters to Netflix for about $20M despite a $100M budget, giving Netflix huge upside.
- That deal left Sony with only limited sequel and theatrical leverage unless it renegotiates.
Renegotiate When A Low-Priced Asset Explodes
- Studios in Sony's position should push to renegotiate or demand bigger terms after unexpected hits.
- Use success as leverage to secure theatrical windows, bigger payouts, or talent concessions.