The Netflix animated musical hit "KPop Demon Hunters" has generated significant revenue from its music singles alone, grossing over $3.2 million. The lead single "Golden" by the fictional group HUNTR/X has earned about $1.39 million in streaming, digital sales, and radio airplay. The competing tracks "Your Idol" and "Soda Pop" have made close to $1 million and around $840,000 respectively. Overall, the soundtrack from the film has been a major hit, setting records and drawing strong streaming numbers.
As for the film itself, Sony Pictures produced "KPop Demon Hunters" with an estimated budget of $100 million but sold the distribution rights to Netflix under a 2021 deal. Due to this deal structure, Sony received a fixed payment capped at around $20 million, with Netflix retaining most rights and additional profits from streaming, music, and future projects. Despite the film's massive success as Netflix's second most-watched movie ever (over 210 million views), Sony's direct earnings from the film are limited to that $20 million fee. Netflix benefits from the substantial viewership and associated music revenues.
Additionally, "KPop Demon Hunters" had a limited sing-along theatrical release expected to generate approximately $15-20 million at the box office, but these revenues go to Netflix, not Sony.
In summary:
- The "KPop Demon Hunters" soundtrack has earned over $3.2 million.
- Sony made about $20 million from selling the film rights to Netflix.
- Netflix controls the majority of additional revenue streams and rights.
The total revenue generated by the film and its music is significantly larger, but Sony's direct take is limited due to the distribution deal with Netflix. Netflix and its partners hold the larger financial share of the franchise's current success.
