Despite KPop Demon Hunter's box office victory, Netflix boss has no plans in changing strategy, saying the movie was a success "because it was released on Netflix first"

KPop Demon Hunters still showcasing Rumi, Zoey, and Mira eating and shouting
(Image credit: Netflix)

Just because new Netflix movie KPop Demon Hunters saw huge success at the box office doesn't mean the streamer will start releasing all of its content on the big screen.

When asked whether Netflix is looking into deeper theatrical distribution, co-CEO Ted Sarandos said that "there’s no change in the strategy," at a recent earnings conference. "Our strategy is to give our members exclusive first-run movies on Netflix," said Sarandos.

Sarandos was asked this question due to the streamer’s most-viewed movie ever, KPop Demon Hunters, soaring to number 1 at the box office, which was a first for the streamer. The movie hit Netflix on August 23 and has so far been viewed 400 million times. The streamer decided to take a singalong version of the film to the big screen for one weekend only, where it earned a whopping $18 million worldwide, as per Box Office Mojo.

This does make sense, as KPop Demon Hunters did not have a lot of buzz at first, but through the power of social media and word of mouth, Netflix viewers quickly flocked to the film. Sarandos said that "superfans" made KPop Demon Hunters a hit, and “drove the recommendation engine." The Netflix boss added, "If anything, this actually reinforces our strategy, because being on Netflix actually allowed the film to build momentum."

Editorial Associate, GamesRadar+

I am an Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, covering TV and film for SFX and Total Film online. I have a Bachelors Degree in Media Production and Journalism and a Masters in Fashion Journalism from UAL. In the past I have written for local UK and US newspaper outlets such as the Portland Tribune and York Mix and worked in communications, before focusing on film and entertainment writing. I am a HUGE horror fan and in 2022 I created my very own single issue feminist horror magazine.  

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