You read that correctly, everyone! Sony Pictures Animation, the studio behind Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse, has announced a new animated musical film titled K-Pop: Demon Hunters. The title should speak for itself, being a story about a world-famous K-Pop idol group who also lead secret double-lives as demon hunters, saving the world between gigs.
Along with the title announcement, Sony Pictures Animation released the first key visual as well as staff announcements.
- Directors: Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans
- Producer: Aron Warner
- Production Designer: Mingjue Helen Chen
- Art Director: Ami Thompson
Maggie Kang, who has worked as a story artist on films such as Puss in Boots, Rise of the Guardians, and The Lego Ninjago Movie, will be making her directorial debut. In additional comments following the announcement, Sony Pictures said that K-Pop: Demon Hunters is a passion project for Kang, who is paying homage to her Korean heritage, and love of K-Pop.
Working alongside Kang is Chris Appelhans, who is also new to the role of director.
Aron Warner was the producer for the entire Shrek franchise, and The Book of Life.
Mingjue Helen Chen has a phenomenal work history, being part of the art staff for Disney films such as Frankenweenie and Wreck-It-Ralph. As a production designer, K-Pop: Demon Hunters will be her second project as such, after the newly released Raya and the Last Dragon.
Finally, there is Ami Thompson. Her work history is short, but more than promising, given that she has worked along with Chen on Raya and the Last Dragon, but also worked as a key animator for the dystopia future sci-fi film, <harmony/> in 2015.
At a glance, K-Pop: Demon Hunters has a well-rounded and exceptional staff working behind it. Sony Pictures Animation has been on a good streak of film productions with Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse, and their most recent film, Wish Dragon, which also explored international themes of modern-day China, combined with story elements from the Arabian Nights.
All we’re waiting for now is BLACKPINK or LOOΠΔ to have their cameo announcement, but until then we’ll be keeping up to date on any new information surrounding the film.
나중에 보자.
Training for the big debut. K-Pop: Demon Hunters is currently in development at Sony Animation.
This film follows a world-renowned K-Pop girl group as they balance their lives in the spotlight with their secret identities as badass demon hunters. pic.twitter.com/sFScsOqMN5
— Sony Pictures Animation (@SonyAnimation) March 8, 2021