In a bold revelation, Sony Pictures CEO Ravi Ahuja has declared that selling 'KPop Demon Hunters' to Netflix was a strategic home run for the studio, even as he hinted that this animated musical could have potentially blossomed into a theatrical franchise.

A New Musical Era: Could It Have Succeeded in Theaters?

During a recent Bank of America conference, analyst Jessica Reif Ehrlich posed a provocative question: Would 'KPop Demon Hunters' have thrived in theaters under Sony's banner? Ahuja candidly reflected, "This is the question we ask ourselves. Hindsight is 20/20—given its massive success now, you can’t help but wonder."

He explained the pivotal reasons behind the decision. "It was released during the pandemic, heavily K-pop themed, and Netflix covered all production costs plus a profit margin for us. Back then, it felt like the right choice, and looking back, it's fascinating to consider how it could have fared theatrically. Yet, Netflix did introduce it to theaters, even briefly," he noted.

Netflix's Surprising Success: A Weekend Box Office Hit!

Remarkably, 'KPop Demon Hunters' didn't just make waves on streaming; Netflix even launched a singalong version in theaters for one weekend, raking in nearly $20 million, all without featuring in any AMC locations.

The Theatrical Challenge: A Tough Arena to Crack

However, Ahuja pointed out that replicating this feat would not have been straightforward for Sony. "It started on Netflix, and organic word of mouth fueled its growth, something that’s much harder to achieve in theaters. Films need rapid cultural impact in the theatrical space. I believe 'KPop Demon Hunters' found its rightful home on Netflix," he said.

Looking Ahead: Optimism for Future Blockbusters

Ahuja remains optimistic about the evolving box office landscape heading into the next year, especially with anticipated releases like Spider-Man and Jumanji. However, he cautioned that the bar for theatrical success is constantly rising. "While superhero films used to breeze through, now they too require originality and a strong emotional connection to the audience," he stated.

A Vision for the Future: Sony's Path Forward

Under Ahuja's leadership, Sony is positioning itself for consistent growth while tapping into new realms of entertainment. This includes ambitious plans for experiential entertainment, particularly through the Alamo Drafthouse, which he believes still has untapped potential in major cities.

With a focus on leveraging digital media, Ahuja acknowledged, "No media company has yet cracked the creator economy, but we are dedicated to exploring this frontier in hopes of finding our way."