In an exciting announcement for fans of the animated phenomenon, K-Pop Demon Hunters, songwriter Mark Sonnenblick has revealed that a sequel to Netflix’s most prominent film is currently in the works. This news arrives on the heels of Sonnenblick’s remarkable achievements this year, including a Golden Globe and a Grammy for his hit song, “Golden,” which has set new standards in the animation genre.
A Whirlwind of Success
Mark Sonnenblick’s year has been nothing short of extraordinary. In 2026 alone, he has garnered acclaim for co-writing “Golden,” making history as the first K-Pop song to win a Grammy. The success has been overwhelming, catapulting him from relative obscurity to international recognition. “It feels like we went from zero to a million,” Sonnenblick remarked, reflecting on the film’s rapid rise and the outpouring of support from fans that has been pivotal to its success.
During a recent interview with BBC Newsbeat, just after receiving news that “Golden” has been shortlisted for an Oscar, Sonnenblick expressed a mix of vulnerability and gratitude. “You’re catching me at a very emotional time,” he admitted while clutching his phone, having just shared the news with his parents. “This song could have easily faded away, but the fans rallied behind it, urging others to watch the film.”
The film, which has dominated viewership on Netflix, is also a contender for the Academy Awards, scheduled for 15 March. Sonnenblick is well aware of the significance of this moment, stating, “I don’t think I’ll ever have an experience like this again.”
The Sequel’s Development Process
As the conversation about a follow-up film progresses, Sonnenblick emphasised that substantial groundwork must be laid before diving into songwriting. “There’s going to be a whole development process before we get deep into writing the songs,” he explained. “The music will evolve from the narrative, but we have to ensure that it makes sense for all of us to embark on this journey again.”
Maggie Kang, the creator of K-Pop Demon Hunters, has also hinted at the potential for further exploration of the film’s characters. With such a successful foundation, it seems inevitable that the story will continue to unfold.
New Musical Horizons
In addition to the K-Pop Demon Hunters sequel, Sonnenblick is set to launch a new musical, Midnight at the Never Get, which will debut at London’s Menier Chocolate Factory in July. This production features acclaimed actor Ben Platt in the lead role, telling a poignant story about a singer’s relationship with a songwriter set against the backdrop of an illegal gay bar in 1960s New York.
Platt, who rose to fame for his Tony Award-winning performance in Dear Evan Hansen, expressed his admiration for Sonnenblick’s work. “I initially approached Mark’s songs thinking, ‘Oh, these are by my lovely friend,'” he shared. “But I was genuinely blown away by the character and the score.”
The anticipation surrounding Midnight at the Never Get is palpable, with Platt acknowledging the unique creative atmosphere London offers. “Audiences here have such intelligence and respect for this particular craft,” he remarked, calling the city the perfect stage for innovative storytelling.
Why it Matters
The development of a sequel to K-Pop Demon Hunters encapsulates the evolving landscape of animated storytelling, where cultural phenomena can transcend boundaries and genres. As Sonnenblick and his team embark on this new chapter, they not only have the opportunity to build on an already successful narrative but also to further elevate the K-Pop genre in mainstream entertainment. This sequel, alongside Sonnenblick’s new musical, illustrates the growing recognition of diverse narratives in global cinema and theatre, signalling a promising future for creators who dare to innovate.