(Credits: Netflix)

KPop Demon Hunters is flying high on Netflix. And perhaps, it’s just the way it should be.

But if you think the animated film is only leaving the streaming world at a loss for words, you might have just missed Novak Djokovic’s brief dance routine on ‘Soda Pop’ at the US Open and Jungkook’s teary-eyed review on the heels of its release.

Now, while speaking at a Bank of America conference on Thursday, Sony Pictures CEO Ravi Ahuja was asked by analyst Jessica Reif Ehrlich whether KPop Demon Hunters could have made a mark in theatres for the studio. Having been asked the question one too many times, he clarified that he’s uncertain. But “obviously in hindsight it is such a big hit you think maybe it could’ve,” Ahuja said (via The Hollywood Reporter).

He briefed everyone on the factors that influenced Sony’s decision to bring KPop Demon Hunters to Netflix. “It was during the pandemic, it’s K-pop themed, it was a very specific film, Netflix paid the whole cost plus a profit premium to us,” he explained. It was a logical step for them at the moment. Yes, the success does make them curious whether the film could have gone theatrical. But Netflix did take it to the theatres, although for a brief period.

Netflix released a sing-along version in theatres for a weekend, grossing $20million at the box office without the backing of any AMC theatres. In fact, the numbers surpassed contemporary theatrical releases such as Freakier Friday and Weapons. But would the effect be the same if Sony were to do it?

While the benchmark of KPop Demon Hunters’ success does make them think, Sony Pictures CEO didn’t fail to acknowledge Netflix’s part in making it go big in the world of streaming and beyond. When it began streaming on Netflix, recommendations and “word of mouth made it grow.” But in theatres, it is far more difficult to bring that kind of wave because the impact has to be immediate.

“I think it was in the right home. I think KPop Demon Hunters’ right home was Netflix, but it is an interesting question, could it have been theatrical? It is hard to say,” Ahuja added. He continued that Sony Music has a few music rights and is ready to produce any follow-up releases. However, Netflix has the rights to the franchise, including the merchandise.

While he maintains his optimism with future releases of Spider-Man and Jumanji movies, he acknowledged that it would be hard to crack through. The reason he believes that way is that “the theatrical bar” for superhero movies was comparatively low. However, times have changed, and the audience now craves authenticity and uniqueness in the genre. Without fascinating the audience, such films can never ingrain their positions in popular culture.

But KPop Demon Hunters has clearly made its mark, becoming the most-watched film on Netflix of all time. It has additionally surpassed Squid Game. For those who still haven’t watched, the animated chart-topper is streaming on Netflix!