Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters tops North American box office in rare event with more than $23 million
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Released in June, KPop Demon Hunters is already Netflix’s most-watched animated offering.
PHOTO: NETFLIX
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LOS ANGELES – KPop Demon Hunters, an animated musical released by Netflix, topped the US and Canadian box office during a two-day theatrical debut. That is a rare win at the theatres for the streaming giant, which usually avoids chasing box-office revenue for its original movies.
Produced by Sony Pictures Animation, the film was estimated to gross US$18 million to US$20 million (S$23 million to S$26 million) over the weekend, according to the entertainment industry publication Variety.
Netflix refused to report ticket sales data, so the amount is based on projections from rival studios and exhibitors.
KPop Demon Hunters edged out Weapons, a buzzy horror movie now in its third week, for the top spot. Weapons made US$15.6 million.
Netflix released KPop Demon Hunters as a one-weekend-only, sing‑along event on Aug 23 and 24, responding to mounting fan demand following the film’s June 20 streaming debut. There will not be a theatrical release in Singapore, but this full-length sing-along version premieres on Netflix on Aug 25.
Nine weeks after its streaming launch, the movie is on track to become the platform’s most-watched English-language film, surpassing the 2021 comedy-action film Red Notice.
While streaming rivals, including Apple and Amazon, have used theatrical releases to boost revenue and awareness of their films, Netflix has largely stuck to its core strategy of focusing on its subscribers. It has put only a few films in theatres, typically to qualify for awards consideration.
KPop Demon Hunters tells the story of a fictional female pop group facing off against a rival boy band, who are actually demons in disguise.
Although produced in the United States by Sony, the film has turned into a global sensation, with its soundtrack topping Billboard and Spotify charts.
“This weekend, a streaming production made for viewing at home is connecting on a level that theatrical hits rarely reach,” said analyst David Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research.
“For 48 hours, this made-for-television film is playing to sold-out audiences who are singing, dancing, dressing up and losing themselves in the fun. That’s pop entertainment at its best.” BLOOMBERG, AFP
