Netflix is set to give the late-summer box office an unexpected boost with special sing-along screenings of its animated blockbuster KPop Demon Hunters. The move marks a rare collaboration between the streamer and major cinema chains, despite years of tension over exclusive theatrical windows.
On August 23 and 24, screenings will take place in North America, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. Industry insiders report that 1,700 cinemas in the United States and Canada have already confirmed participation, with demand so strong that over 1,000 showtimes had sold out by Tuesday evening.
Cinema Chains Join the Craze
Regal Cinemas and Cinemark Theatres, the second- and third-largest circuits in the US, have agreed to host the event alongside Alamo Drafthouse and numerous other operators. AMC Theatres has yet to confirm its involvement.
The film follows Huntr/x, a trio of K-pop stars — Rumi, Mira and Zoey — who moonlight as demon hunters, protecting their fans from supernatural threats. Their latest challenge is a rival boy band of demons in disguise.
Box Office Prospects and Musical Success
Analysts predict that the sing-along event could generate between 5 and 10 mln US dollars in North America alone, with some forecasts suggesting even higher returns given the rapid pace of ticket sales. In line with its usual policy, Netflix is not expected to release box office figures.
Since debuting on the platform in June, KPop Demon Hunters has become one of Netflix’s most watched films. Its soundtrack has also enjoyed commercial success, reaching the Billboard Hot 100 top ten, with the track Golden hitting number one. The film features original songs performed by artists including EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI, Lea Salonga, and members of Twice, Jeongyeon, Jihyo and Chaeyoung.
Competing Releases
The event coincides with the release of Ethan Coen’s Honey Don’t!, distributed by Focus Features. Starring Margaret Qualley, Aubrey Plaza, Charlie Day, Billy Eichner and Chris Evans, the film is forecast to open in the 3 to 4 mln US dollar range across 1,300 North American cinemas. The story follows a small-town investigator probing mysterious deaths linked to a church.
