a surprise (and necessary) gift at the box office in late summer
Streamers and theater owners, and particularly the major networks, have been at odds for years over exclusive theatrical windows. Netflix has always made it clear that its subscribers are its first priority, resulting in its titles often being boycotted by the larger circuits. But in this case, the rules are being bent as movie operators race to be part of the KPOP Demon Slayers that quickly becomes the most-watched film of all time on the streamer.
On April 23 and 24, Netflix is hosting animated feature singing exhibitions in North America, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand . Insiders tell The Hollywood Reporter that 1,700 theaters in the U.S. and Canada have already booked the special event, with more locations being added daily. And by the end of August 19, 1,000 screening times had already sold out.
Royal Theatres and Movie Theaters, the two largest theater chains in the country behind AMC Theaters, are playing the singers, along with Alamo Drafthouse and several other chains. So far, AMC doesn't appear to be part of the action, but that can always change.
The film centers on the adventures of Huntr/X, a trio comprised of K-pop stars Rumi (Arden Cho), Mira (May Hong), and Zooey (Ji-Yooung Yoo) who use their secret identities as demon hunters to protect their fans from a supernatural threat. Together, they must face their greatest enemy yet: an irresistible band of costumed demons.
KPOP Demon Hunters: A Sing-Through Event Could Provide a Noticeable Boost for a Quiet Weekend and Land on the Domestic Chart Amid New Entry Nationwide Honey No! Director Ethan Coen, and References Gun and Freaky Friday .
Netflix doesn't provide guidance on how much the singers might earn, but box office experts say they could generate anywhere from $5 million to north of $10 million in North America, based on early ticket sales and sold-out shows. (A big question mark is whether Netflix will break with tradition and make the charts public.)
Along with Complaint, a surprise hit for the streamer since its debut in June, the film’s soundtrack has also made the top 10 on the Billboard 200, with “Golden” becoming a number one hit. Other tracks include “How It’s Made.” Original songs for KPOP Demon Slayers were performed by Ejae, Audrey Nuna, King Ami, Andrew Choi, Danny Chung, Kevin Woo, Samuil Lee, Neckwav, and Lea Salonga, while Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung performed their own original music.
Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans directed the animated film for Sony Pictures Animation, based on a screenplay by Danya Jiménez, Hannah McMechan, Kang, and Appelhans. The ensemble cast also includes Ahn Hyo-Seop, Yunjin Kim, Joel Kim Booster, and Liza Koshy, along with Daniel Dae Kim, Ken Jeong , and Porung Hun Lee.
From Focus Resources, Honey, No! is tracking to open with $3 million to $4 million in 1,300 locations across North America. Starring Margaret Queley, the film was directed by Coen from a script he wrote with Tricia Cooke. The story follows a city private investigator trying to solve a series of deaths linked to a mysterious church. Aubrey Plaza, Charlie Day, Billy Eichner, and Chris Evans co-star.
