Look out, KPop Demon Hunters, as South Korea is also planning to release an animated feature inspired by the K-pop music genre, Rainmakers. Attached to the project is South Korean filmmaker Lee Seok-hoon, who has worked on 12 films since he began his career in 1998. According to a recent report, Rainmakers will follow an orphan and a princess who join forces to take down a “corporate threat to their world.” The feature is said to have K-pop aesthetics and energy, and will “include original songs from an unnamed K-pop producer.”
Rainmakers will be animated by RedRover, a South Korean animation studio that has previously worked on The Nut Job and its sequel. The studio’s strategy executive and producer, Amy Shi, commented on the upcoming project, stating that they’re thrilled to bring this “music-driven” animated feature to life:
“As Korean culture, and K-pop in particular, continues to grow and be celebrated globally, we are thrilled to bring a bold, music-driven animated feature to life under the visionary direction of Lee Seok-hoon. With RedRover’s deep understanding of global kids and family entertainment, ‘Rainmakers’ combines the dynamic energy of K-pop with cinematic storytelling to create a vibrant new world we can’t wait to share with audiences everywhere.”
Based on what’s reported, Rainmakers and KPop Demon Hunters will carry some similarities. Just like the upcoming South Korean feature, the Netflix film also has music playing a central role, as a K-pop idol group uses their singing to stop demons. KPop Demon Hunters enlisted music producer Teddy Park, who has worked with other K-pop artists, such as BTS, Twice, and Blackpink.
How Successful Is ‘KPop Demon Hunters’?
Ever since KPop Demon Hunters premiered on Netflix on June 20, 2025, it has become the streaming platform’s “Most Watched Movie of All Time.” The Sony Animated feature has sat in Netflix’s Top 10 for 20 weeks in a row, and the soundtrack has generated millions of streams on Spotify. KPop Demon Hunters has had two limited theatrical releases; the first was back in August, where it generated over $18 million. However, its Halloween screening didn’t match its previous earnings, bringing in only $5.3 million. Following KPop Demon Hunters’ overwhelming success, it was reported that Netflix and Sony plan to release a sequel. However, there are currently no plans to make a live-action adaptation.
Rainmakers has yet to announce a release date. In the meantime, KPop Demon Hunters is available to stream on Netflix.
Release Date
June 20, 2025
Runtime
96 minutes
Director
Chris Appelhans, Maggie Kang
