Netflix is bringing KPop Demon Hunters into the real world with a new immersive attraction at Netflix House. The experience will allow fans to join HUNTR/X through an interactive, music-led adventure.

The experience opens Nov 12, 2026, at Netflix House Dallas in Galleria Dallas and Nov 20 at Netflix House Philadelphia in King of Prussia Mall.

KPop Demon Hunters Immersive Experience Details

The attraction begins backstage with HUNTR/X before the latest stop on their world tour. When Gwi-Ma crashes the event, visitors will help restore the Honmoon and take on demons across neon-lit Seoul.

Guests will experience interactive sets, 3D technology, custom animation, screens, live actors, and play-based challenges designed for all ages. The adventure will feature songs from the film’s Grammy- and Academy Award-winning soundtrack, including Soda Pop, How It’s Done, and Golden.

Netflix Chief Marketing Officer, Marian Lee, stated that fans want to “live in the world of HUNTR/X,” describing Netflix House as a year-round destination for the franchise fandom.

KPop Demon Hunters Tickets, Characters, and Extras

Fans can meet Derpy Tiger and Sussie Bird for the first time. Derpy Tiger will be created through puppetry developed with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, while Sussie Bird will provide its signature chirps and squawks.

Ticket access follows this schedule:

• Sep 22: Mastercard credit cardholders

• Sep 29: Netflix members

• Oct 1: General public

General admission starts at $39 USD, with children aged 3-12 starting at $34. VIP packages begin at $89 Monday through Thursday and $99 Friday through Sunday. They include all-day access to priority entry, the VIP Lounge, and an exclusive gift while supplies last.

Both venues will also offer merchandise, themed food, exclusive photo opportunities, and drinks.

Since its June 20, 2025 debut, KPop Demon Hunters has expanded beyond animation, with the new attraction bringing HUNTR/X’s characters, music, and story into a physical setting.

My Hero Academia is marking a decade since its anime debut with a new version of You Say Run, one of the franchise’s signature themes. Composed by Yuki Hayashi and reworked with German electronicore band Electric Callboy, the track will be released globally on Sep 22, 2026.

It follows the live debut at My Hero Academia IN CONCERT in London on Sep 20, 2026.

My Hero Academia’s Iconic Theme Finds New Life

The new track features Electric Callboy vocalists Kevin Ratajczak and Nico Sallach, who added English lyrics after Hayashi envisioned a vocal-driven anniversary version. Toho’s music team sought international performers who could combine powerful shouts with melodic vocals, leading to the collaboration.

Ratajczak said the band was “beyond excited” to contribute to the song, while Sallach described the project as a “huge honor.” Likewise, Hayashi stated that the collaboration brings together the energy of My Hero Academia and Electric Callboy.

The reworked track combines Hayashi’s original orchestral composition with Electric Callboy’s EDM and pop-influenced sound. Bones Film also created new artwork showing Izuku Midoriya performing a Smash, referencing the first-season soundtrack cover.

You Say Run became a defining part of the anime’s action sequences and later inspired the 2016 You Say Run Goes With Everything meme. Hayashi discussed the meme in a May 2026 interview with Anime News Network, where he said he had seen the fan-made edits and was impressed by how well the track fit the different scenes.

My Hero Academia 10th Anniversary Celebration Continues

The release is part of the wider My Hero Academia The Animation 10th Anniversary project.

The anime concluded with its eighth season in Fall 2025, while Horikoshi’s manga ended in August 2024 after surpassing 100M copies sold worldwide. The franchise now spans eight seasons, more than 170 episodes, and four films.

The anniversary will culminate with My Hero Academia Ultra Expo on April 17-18, 2027, at Makuhari Messe in Chiba. More event details are expected in October 2026.

REI AMI says her work on Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters changed how she presents herself around fans, particularly after the film introduced her to a younger audience. The rapper and singer discussed the experience in an AP interview as she released 2LOUD on Sep 18, 2026, her first single since providing the singing voice of Zoey from HUNTR/X.

The transition from Zoey to REI AMI has been unusual because of the differences between their audiences.

She stated that the film’s young following made her more conscious of her language and behavior during interviews and public appearances. “I was very mindful of being more careful with my speech,” REI AMI clarified, adding that the change was about being considerate rather than compromising who she is.

REI AMI on KPop Demon Hunters’ Young Fans and HUNTR/X

That awareness also extended to her interactions with children.

REI AMI said she began keeping drinks out of view, making eye contact, avoiding profanity, and making other small behavioral adjustments around younger fans. She also stressed that KPop Demon Hunters was not an individual achievement. The project brought together hundreds of people, and she credited the wider team assembled to make the film for its success.

The film's popularity has also expanded the reach of HUNTR/X.

Meanwhile, Golden, performed by REI AMI, EJAE, and Audrey Nuna, became the first song by a K-pop girl group to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The multi-platinum track spent multiple weeks at No. 1 and has surpassed one billion global streams.

REI AMI’s 2LOUD Follows KPop Demon Hunters’ Global Success

Released through Republic Records, 2LOUD draws on REI AMI’s experience of being told she was too loud or doing too much. Instead of treating that criticism as something to suppress, the song turns it into a statement of self-assertion.

A visualizer was released alongside the single.

REI AMI’s connection to HUNTR/X has continued through live performances, including appearances at the BRIT Awards, Oscars, and BAFTAs. She also joined the group during KATSEYE’s Sahara Tent set at Coachella.

Moreover, KPop Demon Hunters has become Netflix’s most-streamed film project of all time, while its music has received Oscar and Grammy wins. For REI AMI, 2LOUD marks a return to her solo work after Zoey brought her music to a significantly broader audience.

Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, has introduced a bill that could allow U.S. courts to order internet service providers, DNS services, and qualifying VPNs to block foreign piracy websites. The proposed legislation targets sites primarily distributing pirated movies, anime, sports, TV shows, software, books, and other copyrighted material.

H.R. 10364, the American Copyright Protection Act of 2026, was introduced on Sep 14, 2026, and referred to the House Judiciary Committee.

The proposal would apply to DNS providers, ISPs, and VPN services with at least 100K U.S. users or subscribers. Copyright owners could seek a court declaration that a website is a foreign piracy site by establishing that claim under a preponderance-of-the-evidence standard, followed by a separate blocking order.

How the Proposed Piracy Blocking System Would Work

Covered providers would generally receive 14 days to object, although judges could shorten that period for time-sensitive cases involving live sports or content pirated within 24 hours of release. Root nameserver operators, top-level domain registries, and Wi-Fi networks at airports, restaurants, libraries, retailers, and similar locations would be exempt.

The bill follows Issa's June 30, 2026, hearing, where he argued that the existing DMCA notice-and-takedown system can move too slowly for live piracy.

The Motion Picture Association has pushed for U.S. site blocking since at least 2024. Earlier bipartisan proposals included Zoe Lofgren’s Foreign Anti-Digital Piracy Act and the 2025 BAD ART Act, introduced by Sens. Chris Coons and Thom Tillis.

Issa has also linked online piracy to terrorist and criminal networks. The MPA argues that piracy costs the U.S. creative economy billions of dollars and jobs, citing more than 50 countries with site-blocking systems.

Piracy Blocking Raises Privacy and Collateral Damage Concerns

Public Knowledge, EFF, Fight for the Future, Re, CCIA, i2Coalition, and R Street Institute argue that blocking can affect legitimate services. University of Twente researchers found 510 legitimate websites affected by Italy's Piracy Shield, with wrongly blocked sites reportedly remaining inaccessible for an average of 320 days.

Meanwhile, Spain's system has also been cited for blocking 5.8% of popular internet traffic during LaLiga matches, including Harvard and Greenpeace.

Critics warn that DNS orders could affect access beyond the U.S., while VPN requirements could conflict with privacy models. Cloudflare's dispute with Italian regulators over Piracy Shield illustrates that conflict.

The circulated bill reportedly provides up to $250K USD in compensation for wrongly affected third parties. Critics argue that small businesses and nonprofits could still face losses, with Public Knowledge citing previous disruption involving mechanics, hotels, telehealth services, retailers, and a convent.

As of mid-September 2026, the full bill text had not appeared on Congress.gov. Issa, who chairs the relevant House Judiciary subcommittee, is retiring at the end of 2026.

Mattel is expanding its KPop Demon Hunters lineup with action figures built around recognizable character looks, movie scenes, and accessories. The collection features HUNTR/X members Mira, Rumi, and Zoey alongside Saja Boys Abby, Mystery, Jinu, Romance, and Baby.

The figures are based on specific moments from the Netflix film, giving each character a different selection of props and equipment. Mattel has also released a Rumi and Jinu set based on the movie's final battle, extending the collection beyond individual character figures.

What Do the KPop Demon Hunters Action Figures Come With?

Mira, Rumi, and Zoey appear in their How It's Done outfits, while Abby, Mystery, Jinu, Romance, and Baby are represented in their Saja Boys Soda Pop looks.

The figures are designed for different expressions and poses through interchangeable facial pieces and hands. Their articulation is intended for posing, dancing, and demon-fighting scenes, with several figures featuring more than 20 points of articulation.

Each release also uses accessories connected to its character:

• Mira: She receives her curved moon sword, a kettle, and a cup of noodles, reflecting her need for a ramen fix before fighting.

• Rumi: Her figure comes with the Sain-geom sword, a sushi roll, noodles, and hands capable of holding chopsticks.

• Zoey: Her teal and black halter-style top and baggy cargo joggers are paired with Korean shamanic blades and her favorite snacks.

• Abby: The Saja Boy is packaged with his yellow beanie, interchangeable hands and faces, and an “Abby-licious” autograph.

• Baby: His turquoise hair and eyebrows and woven sweater are reproduced on the figure, which also includes a yellow hat, a Soda Pop can, and interchangeable parts.

• Mystery: His lavender hair is paired with two alternative facial expressions.

• Jinu: Based on the Soda Pop dance sequence, Jinu comes with glasses, a Soda Pop can, a microphone, and a Healer Han juice pack.

• Romance: His figure includes alternative demonic facial expressions and hands.

Some figures also come with HUNTR/X and Saja Boys lightsticks. The interchangeable hands are designed around different accessories, including drinks, microphones, food, and weapons.

The Rumi and Jinu Final Battle Action Figure Set brings the two characters together in their final battle outfits. Both figures have interchangeable faces and hands and come with weapons, while the set adds HUNTR/X and Saja Boys lightsticks.

The individual action figures are available through Macy’s and Amazon for $21.99 USD, with some Macy’s listings showing a discounted price of $19.79 after 10% off. The Rumi and Jinu Final Battle Set is listed at $42.99, with the supplied Macy’s listing showing $38.69 after 10% off.

Several of the Saja Boys figures are also listed on Amazon.

How is KPop Demon Hunters Expanding Beyond the Original Film?

The action figures arrive as KPop Demon Hunters develops into a wider entertainment property. Mattel had already released dolls based on the franchise, while the broader merchandise lineup has expanded to Squishmallows, backpacks, ramen noodles, crochet kits, Halloween costumes, and phone huggers.

The film won Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for Golden at the 2026 Academy Awards. Golden also won the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media.

Netflix announced a global concert tour in May 2026, bringing elements of the movie to arenas worldwide. A 2029 sequel is also in development, giving the franchise another planned continuation.

The growth of KPop Demon Hunters comes alongside wider efforts to develop K-pop intellectual property (IP) for international audiences.

Could KPop Demon Hunters' Success Shape Disney's and Kakao’s K-Pop Plans?

The expansion of KPop Demon Hunters comes as entertainment companies explore new ways to turn K-pop's global popularity into television, film, merchandise, and other forms of IP. One example is Disney Korea and Kakao Entertainment, which are working toward a proposed “K-culture fund” targeting around 10 projects over the medium to long term.

The two companies have not announced a value for the proposed fund, and its structure has yet to be finalized. Their planned projects would combine K-pop IP with Disney's stories and characters.

A Kakao Entertainment spokesperson stated that the partnership reflects K-pop's growing influence across areas including beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. The spokesperson added that combining K-pop artists and music with Disney's stories could create opportunities to develop them into new worlds.

Disney already has an established presence in South Korea through productions such as Moving, its first original show in the region, along with K-pop films and documentaries featuring artists including BTS. Kakao Entertainment, founded in 2021 as an offshoot of Korean media giant Kakao, operates entertainment agencies, production companies, and other businesses across the sector.

There is no direct connection to KPop Demon Hunters in the Disney-Kakao initiative as of yet, but its success demonstrates the crossover potential of K-pop IP.

Produced by Sony Pictures Animation and released globally through Netflix, the animated musical follows HUNTR/X, a K-pop girl group whose members secretly work as demon hunters, as they face the Saja Boys, a rival K-pop group made up of demons in disguise. The film brings together original music, K-pop-inspired characters, animation, merchandise, and Korean cultural influences within one property, demonstrating how K-pop concepts can extend into other entertainment categories.

That model could provide a reference point for the kinds of projects audiences might expect from the Disney-Kakao initiative, although neither company has announced KPop Demon Hunters as part of the proposed fund.

The Disney-Kakao initiative is not connected to Mattel's KPop Demon Hunters figures. However, both developments arrive as companies explore different ways to build entertainment properties around K-pop's international audience.

For KPop Demon Hunters, the expansion is creating more opportunities for its characters and music to reach audiences across different formats.

KPop Demon Hunters is expanding its merchandise lineup with a new collectible from Horizon Group USA. The company has introduced officially licensed Slimygloop Gelli Gels based on the Netflix animated film.

The collection currently consists of three designs inspired by KPop Demon Hunters characters, each featuring a different design based on the film. The products are available through Amazon, although availability can differ by region.

The collaboration between Horizon Group USA and Netflix turns characters and symbols from the film into palm-sized squishy toys rather than traditional figures. Each Gelli Gel measures approximately 3.5 inches in its original form. It contains sparkly, lava-style gel that can be squeezed, pulled, stretched, and twisted before returning to its original shape.

Which Designs Feature in the KPop Demon Hunters Collection?

The collection contains three designs, each drawing from a different part of the film’s cast and fictional groups:

• HUNTR/X: This pink version is shaped around HUNTR/X's four-sided symbol. The design incorporates elements representing Mira, Rumi, and Zoey, as well as their fans.

• Derpy: The blue Gelli Gel is based on Derpy, the film's blue tiger. Its glitter-filled design recreates the character in a compact format that can be squeezed, flattened, and stretched.

• Saja Boys: The design uses a bright pink colorway and the boy band's lion-inspired logo. The name Saja means "lion" in Korean, connecting the product's design to the group's identity in the film.

The three products share the same basic Gelli Gel format, but their shapes and visual designs distinguish them as separate character or group collectibles.

KPop Demon Hunters Gelli Gels Price and Availability

The listed price for each Gelli Gel is $8.99, although the actual retail price can vary according to the seller and market.

Amazon currently carries listings for all three versions. However, stock is subject to change, and availability can vary between regions, with some versions selling quickly. Slimygloop also promoted the collection on its official Instagram account with the message, "Who's joining the hunt?"

The Gelli Gels form part of a wider licensing push around the film. In October 2025, Netflix granted global master toy licenses to Mattel and Hasbro, covering products including dolls, action figures, games, and role-playing items. Those products began reaching stores in mid-2026.

KPop Demon Hunters Closes Out Record Netflix Streak

The timing of the Gelli Gel collection comes after KPop Demon Hunters developed into a major Netflix property. Produced by Sony Pictures Animation, the film premiered on Netflix on June 20, 2025.

During its first 91 days, it accumulated 325.1M views, equivalent to 541M viewing hours, becoming Netflix's most-streamed original movie at the time.

The film centers on the K-pop trio HUNTR/X, comprising Mira, Rumi, and Zoey, who work as demon hunters alongside their careers as performers. Arden Cho voices Rumi, May Hong voices Mira, and Ji-young Yoo voices Zoey, while EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami provide the characters' singing voices.

The film's streaming momentum eventually produced a 63-week run on Netflix's Global Top 10 Movies chart. That streak ended when the movie disappeared from the chart covering Aug 31 through Sep 6, 2026.

Its final recorded appearance was Aug 24 through Aug 30, 2026, when it registered 2.9M views and 4.8M summative viewing hours.

The departure does not necessarily prevent the film from returning to the chart, but it marked the end of its continuous run. The supplied data also notes that renewed interest generated by merchandise could potentially bring viewers back to the film.

How Long Has KPop Demon Hunters Led Billboard's Soundtracks Chart?

The film's commercial footprint extends beyond Netflix viewing figures. Its soundtrack has spent 60 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Soundtracks chart, with KPop Demon Hunters holding the top position for all but four of its first 64 weeks.

The interruptions came from Wicked: For Good, Charli xcx's Wuthering Heights, A Charlie Brown Christmas, and the Heated Rivalry soundtrack. The supplied Billboard comparison places KPop Demon Hunters among the longest-running No. 1 soundtracks since the chart began on June 30, 2001. 

The KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack includes songs such as Golden, Takedown, and How It's Done. Golden reached No. 1 on the Hot 100 for eight nonconsecutive weeks and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. The song was additionally recognized at the Grammys for Best Song Written for Visual Media.

Why Sony Still Sees Netflix as the Right Home

Sony Pictures Entertainment Chairman and CEO, Ravi Ahuja, has discussed why Netflix became the film's distributor. Speaking at the BofA Securities 2026 Media, Communications & Entertainment Conference, he stated that Netflix "felt like the right home" when the project was being developed in 2021.

Likewise, Ahuja said the film built its audience gradually and that Netflix helped facilitate that growth. He also acknowledged that its theatrical performance would have been difficult to predict because of that slower audience build.

The financial arrangement behind the film was also notable.

Netflix acquired KPop Demon Hunters from Sony Pictures Entertainment for $25M and covered its reported $100M production cost. Following the film's success, Netflix awarded Sony a further $15M bonus in November 2025.

A sequel is now planned for 2029, while the original movie is scheduled to receive a Criterion Collection physical-media release in November 2026.

For collectors, the Gelli Gels capture the film’s identity through its characters, symbols, and playful format rather than simply reproducing its screen designs. Their arrival also reflects how KPop Demon Hunters continues to find new ways to exist in fans’ everyday lives.

Funko is expanding its officially licensed KPop Demon Hunters merchandise with a new Pop! Mystery blind-box collection built around the Saja Boys. The series includes Saja Boys characters, alongside a 1-in-72 Mystery Chase and a one-of-one Worldwide Chase.

The supplied Amazon listing also shows the product as a preorder sold by Amazon.com. Its listing gives Sep 19 as the release date, rather than the Sep 17 date stated in the earlier information.

Availability can vary by market and retailer.

What is Inside the KPop Demon Hunters Blind Box?

Each package contains one randomly selected vinyl collectible and a corresponding Pop! card. The standard lineup consists of six designs:

• Baby

• Jinu

• Romance

• Abby

• Mystery

• Crying Demon

Each standard character is listed at 1-in-6 odds.

Funko lists the vinyl figures at approximately 4 inches (10.2 cm) tall, although height can vary by character. The Amazon product information describes the figure as approximately 3.75 inches (9.5 cm) and identifies the material as vinyl.

The blind packaging means buyers cannot request a particular character. Funko also states that duplicate figures can be received, while chase variants are distributed randomly and are not guaranteed.

What Do the Funko Blind Boxes Cost Across Markets?

The Amazon India listing supplied with the product information shows a price of INR 2,012.39, with INR 2,023.89 listed for shipping and import charges.

The same listing describes the product as officially licensed Netflix merchandise and positions it as a collectible based on the KPop Demon Hunters characters. It also lists one piece per package and identifies the collection as Funko Pop! Mystery.

Funko's own U.S. listing prices the individual package at $14.99. The company is also offering a six-pack for $89.99, with the same Sep 19, 2026, estimated ship date.

Where Else is KPop Demon Hunters Merchandise Available?

Kohl's is also carrying a broad selection of licensed KPop Demon Hunters merchandise across apparel, stationery, accessories, toys, and games. Its current listings include products focused on both the Saja Boys and HUNTR/X, with the retailer's supplied page showing 327 KPop Demon Hunters results across its departments.

For fans specifically looking for Saja Boys merchandise, the listed products include:

• Mattel Rumi & Jinu 4 Accessories Action Figure Set: $42.99

• Saja Light Stick by Hasbro: $14.99

• Saja Boys Graphic Tee: $18.69 with the listed promotion, $21.99 regular price

• Saja Boys Cute Poses Graphic Tee: $18.69 with the listed promotion, $21.99 regular price

• Saja Graphic Tee: $18.69 with the listed promotion, $21.99 regular price

• Saja Boys Demon Idols Graphic Tee: $19.11 with the listed promotion, $22.49 regular price

• Furby Furblets Saja Boy Demon Interactive Toy: $14.99

• Saja Boys Chibi Graphic Tee: $18.69 with the listed promotion, $21.99 regular price

• Men's Saja Boys Graphic Tee: $22.49 sale price, $24.99 regular price

• Saja Boys Tab Journal: $6.99

• Little People Collector Saja Boys 5-Piece Figure Set: $32.99

The wider Kohl's lineup also includes Mattel character figures, HUNTR/X light sticks, puzzles, board games, stationery, jewelry-making kits, plush toys, backpacks, and sleepwear.

Taken together, Funko’s collectible gamble and Kohl’s wider retail lineup show KPop Demon Hunters building a merchandise market that caters to both casual fans and dedicated collectors.

KPop Demon Hunters is expanding its merchandise lineup with CultureFly’s new Huggers blind box collection. Each box contains one randomly selected silicone minifigure based on a character from the film, designed to cling to the edge of a tablet, phone, computer monitor, or another flat surface.

The collection gives fans nine characters to find:

• Mira

• Rumi

• Zoey

• Romance

• Jinu

• Baby

• Mystery

• Abby

• Derpy

Zoey, Rumi, and Mira are members of HUNTR/X, while Romance, Jinu, Abby, Mystery, and Baby are part of the Saja Boys. Derpy, the blue tiger, completes the standard lineup.

Each blind box contains one figure, so buyers cannot select their character in advance and can receive duplicates when purchasing multiple boxes.

KPop Demon Hunters x Huggers Bring New Collectible Options to Fans

The CultureFly release adds a different format to the franchise’s growing merchandise range. Previous products have included Funko figures, instant noodle-themed blind boxes, and keychain charms, while the new Huggers are designed to become small decorations for devices and desks.

The figures use flexible silicone and can grip the edge of compatible surfaces without leaving sticky residue when removed or repositioned. Despite being designed for phones and tablets, they are not intended to work as conventional phone grips or stands.

The product is officially licensed and comes with one figure per package. CultureFly lists the blind box at $11.99 USD, while the supplied retail listings show the same U.S. price at Walmart and Amazon.

For buyers in India, the supplied Amazon listing shows a product price of INR 1,146.08, with an additional INR 1,554.23 charged for shipping and import fees. The listing states that the product is in stock.

The Walmart listing in the supplied material shows a 4.3-star rating from 16 ratings and a $11.99 price.

Blind Box Format Adds Another Layer to Collection

The random selection is central to the Huggers format. Fans buying several boxes have no guarantee of receiving different characters, as each box contains one randomly selected figure.

The product listing recommends the figures for phone accessories, desktop decoration, and monitor decoration. The figures measure approximately 0.5 x 1 x 2 inches.

The supplied Walmart material also shows several other Huggers collections from CultureFly, including versions based on Ghost Face, Coraline, Powerpuff Girls, SpongeBob, Stitch, and Universal Horror. This places the KPop Demon Hunters release within an existing product format rather than making it a standalone merchandise experiment.

The new Huggers collection gives KPop Demon Hunters another way to extend its characters beyond the screen. By turning HUNTR/X, the Saja Boys, and Derpy into everyday device accessories, CultureFly is adding a collectible format that fits naturally into how fans use their phones, tablets, and desktops.

Rumi’s Voice Actor Reflects on KPop Demon Hunters’ Journey

On Sep 12, 2026, at Middle East Film & Comic Con in Abu Dhabi, Arden Cho, the voice of Rumi, recalled an early recording session for the scene where HUNTR/X meets the Saja Boys. Speaking about hearing Soda Pop during the session, Cho recalled thinking, “This is going to be the greatest movie of all time.”

Cho also described her reaction to seeing the completed film and its depiction of Korea. She said she became emotional at the prospect of audiences worldwide seeing the country’s culture and food through the animation.

Her connection to Rumi also influenced her performance.

Cho linked the character’s experiences with expectations from family to her own upbringing as a Korean-American daughter. She explained that KPop Demon Hunters came by after she had spent almost two years away from acting, during which she traveled and pursued personal goals. Returning through Rumi gave her a clearer sense of the stories she wanted to tell.

Cho remains connected to another of her past characters, Kira Yukimura from Teen Wolf, which she identified as a role she would like to revisit.

Altogether, the new Huggers and Cho’s reflections highlight how KPop Demon Hunters continues to connect with fans through its characters, stories, and merchandise.

Netflix is bringing Demon Slayer Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle I to the United States (U.S.) on Sep 28, 2026. The film will also reach additional Netflix regions, although the service has not yet named them.

Netflix announced the release on its official X account with a teaser and key visual. Fans have since asked about availability in India, Europe, and Brazil.

Demon Slayer Infinity Castle Extends its Worldwide Run

Infinity Castle I previously arrived on Netflix in selected Asian markets, excluding Japan, Mainland China, and India. The film is currently available on Netflix in nine Asian markets, while the service has not disclosed which additional territories will join the rollout on Sep 28.

Netflix is not the only platform carrying the film.

Crunchyroll streams it in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom (U.K.), Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and 29 other territories. Catchplay, Disney+, and TVING distribute the movie in parts of Asia.

The film follows the Demon Slayer Corps as they enter the Infinity Castle, where Tanjiro Kamado, Nezuko Kamado, and the Hashira face the Upper Rank demons as the final battle against Muzan Kibutsuji begins.

Ufotable animated Infinity Castle I and the Demon Slayer television series, which premiered in 2019 with a 26-episode first season. The movie opened in Japan on July 18, 2025, as the first installment of a trilogy adapting the concluding arcs of Koyoharu Gotouge's manga.

The film earned approximately $793.6M worldwide, including around $250.7M in Japan, according to Box Office Mojo. It also recorded approximately $9.82M in India, where it was released in Hindi, English, Japanese, Tamil, and Telugu.

Its theatrical run continued for months in some markets before its digital release on Crunchyroll on July 28, 2026, almost a year after its Japanese theatrical debut.

What About India?

India remains outside Netflix's confirmed availability for the movie. Indian viewers can currently watch Infinity Castle I on Crunchyroll, which added the film to its Indian catalog in July 2026.

Netflix has not stated whether India will join the expansion or receive the movie at a later date.

What Comes Next for Infinity Castle?

Infinity Castle II is already in development, but details remain limited. The sequel has no announced release date, promotional material, or confirmed production staff.

The first film's continued rollout across different services and territories extends the reach of the Demon Slayer franchise.

Vans and Netflix are continuing their KPop Demon Hunters partnership with its biggest footwear collection yet, arriving in stores on Sept. 18 and online on Sept. 21, 2026. The four-shoe capsule brings Mira, Rumi, Zoey, and Derpy Tiger to the Old Skool, Sk8-Hi, and Classic Slip-On, with prices ranging from $65 to $75 USD.

The release follows the earlier “Golden” Old Skool collaboration and expands on Vans’ previous KPop Demon Hunters work from Winter 2025.

KPop Demon Hunters Gets Character-Focused Vans Styles for Younger Fans

The four designs feature HUNTR/X branding, distinct colors, graphics, and personalized details inspired by the animated property.

• Grade School KPop Demon Hunters x Vans Slip-On | SKU: VN000EC3CJE | Retail price: $65

• Grade School KPop Demon Hunters x Vans Sk8-Hi | SKU: VN000V93BLK | Retail price: $75

• Grade School KPop Demon Hunters x Vans Old Skool | SKU: VN000ECUYLW | Retail price: $75

• Grade School KPop Demon Hunters x Vans Slip-On | SKU: VN000ED2CJF | Retail price: $75

Rumi’s Old Skool features her signature at the heel alongside HUNTR/X branding, while the other pairs use graphics and details tied to their respective characters. Vans is also adding custom KPop Demon Hunters shoe boxes to the collaboration.

The supplied release information covers Little Kids and Big Kids sizing, while the Sneaker News listings identify these four styles as grade school releases.

Sony Confirms KPop Demon Hunters Sequel and Multi-Platform Strategy

According to Variety, Sony Pictures Entertainment Chairman and CEO Ravi Ahuja discussed KPop Demon Hunters during the BofA Securities 2026 Media, Communications & Entertainment Conference in New York. He said the project was being developed in 2021 and that Netflix proved to be the right platform as the film’s audience grew over time.

Ahuja also confirmed that Sony Pictures Entertainment is working on a sequel for Netflix. He pointed to the ability to develop the property across different platforms and audiences as part of Sony’s broader approach to building franchises.

“By being platform agnostic and content-focused, we’re able to build that franchise by hitting people in different places,” Ahuja said. He also noted this approach allows the company to benefit from media fragmentation while developing content assets and franchises.

From Netflix to Vans and also a lot of other collaborations, KPop Demon Hunters is showing how a streaming hit can evolve into a franchise with value across entertainment and consumer products.

Eggo has teamed up with Netflix to launch a limited-edition Golden Brown Sugar Cinnamon Waffles based on KPop Demon Hunters, extending the animated film’s presence into the food market. The product draws from the film’s award-winning song “Golden” and the Korean street food hotteok.

It is now available at major national grocery retailers in the U.S. for a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $3.69 USD.

The waffles use a vibrant, extra-golden hue made with colors from natural sources. They also feature a brown sugar cinnamon flavor inspired by hotteok, a sweet Korean street food pancake traditionally filled with cinnamon sugar.

The collaboration connects the product to both the film’s music and one of the Korean culinary influences represented in the movie.

Eggo Uses KPop Demon Hunters' Music and Korean Influences

The collaboration comes as KPop Demon Hunters continues to generate attention well beyond its original release.

The film was initially developed for a theatrical release through Sony Pictures Animation before being sold to Netflix. The move ultimately positioned the movie as one of the streaming service’s biggest film successes.

The movie became Netflix’s most-watched film based on views accumulated during its first 91 days and continued to hold an unusually long position in the platform’s weekly Top 10. It remained there for 63 weeks before falling out during its 64th week.

Across that run, KPop Demon Hunters accumulated 676.9M views and 1.128B hours watched. The figures have also created a difficult benchmark for its upcoming sequel, since the follow-up will enter with an established audience but will be compared with a first film that achieved sustained viewership over more than a year.

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Netflix’s hit global phenomenon KPop Demon Hunters to launch a new Eggo waffle flavor,” stated Cara Tragseiler, Growth & Marketing Lead, Eggo. “That will give our fans a delicious way to make mornings more golden.”

KPop Demon Hunters’ Success Creates a Higher Bar for the Sequel

The scale of the original film's performance puts KPop Demon Hunters 2 in a different position from its predecessor. The first movie opened with only 9.2M views and 15.4M hours watched during its debut weekend, which became the lowest totals it recorded during its first 24 weeks. Its audience instead expanded over time, eventually producing the record-setting overall performance.

The sequel is expected to benefit from the existing popularity of Mira, Rumi, and Zoey, as well as HUNTR/X and its music. However, matching the original's cumulative numbers would require the follow-up to sustain audience interest for months rather than relying solely on a large opening.

That distinction also matters for how Netflix measures the sequel.

Replicating the first movie’s performance is not necessarily required for the follow-up to be considered successful. The original’s reach was driven by its characters, story, animation, and music, while audience response will determine whether the sequel earns comparable long-term engagement.

HUNTR/X Interest Extends Into Live Entertainment

The franchise’s music has also continued to generate interest outside Netflix.

At The Hollywood Reporter’s Nominees Night, KPop Demon Hunters star Arden Cho discussed the film during awards season. She also mentioned that she would like to see the singers behind HUNTR/X perform at the Super Bowl next year.

That interest illustrates how the property has expanded beyond a single streaming release. The film’s songs have become a major part of its cultural footprint, while partnerships such as Eggo’s bring elements of the franchise into everyday consumer products.

For Eggo, the collaboration provides a direct connection between its limited-edition product strategy and a film with an established global fan base. For Netflix, it adds another layer to a franchise whose reach now extends across streaming, entertainment events, music, and consumer products.

KPop Demon Hunters is expanding beyond the screen with an officially licensed jewelry collection based on HUNTR/X, the fictional K-pop trio Mira, Rumi, and Zoey. The collection is a collaboration between Netflix and New York-based jewelry company SallyRose. The company's licensing portfolio includes partnerships involving Disney and Warner Bros.' Harry Potter franchise.

The jewelry is available through Amazon and Nordstrom.com, with the collection priced between $19.99 USD and $35.

The designs use a gold-tone metal composite and combine elements from the film's characters, visual style, and logos. The range includes necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and keychains, giving fans options that work as everyday accessories as well as additions to cosplay and themed outfits.

KPop Demon Hunters Jewelry Line Expands HUNTR/X’s Signature Style

The collection features several HUNTR/X-inspired pieces, including:

• HUNTR/X Logo Dangle Earrings, $19.99: The earrings reproduce the group's interwoven logo and feature a jeweled purple "H." The four-sided design draws from traditional Korean artwork, with the four sides representing HUNTR/X's three members and their fans. They measure approximately 1.66 by 1.23 inches and use fish-hook closures.

• HUNTR/X Nameplate Necklace, $19.99: The necklace features the group's name in purple with black detailing and yellow-gold-tone plating. It includes a 16-inch chain, a 3.25-inch extender, and a lobster-claw closure.

• HUNTR/X Hoop Earrings, $19.99: This design combines two gold-colored hoops with a black enamel HUNTR/X nameplate charm and a gold-tone spike charm. The earrings measure approximately 2.44 inches and can also be attached to purses as bag charms.

• Rumi Ear Cuff and Drop Earrings Set, $19.99: Inspired by HUNTR/X's lead singer Rumi, this set pairs small gold-tone ear cuffs with drop earrings. The design incorporates a black chain, mirrored multifaceted beads representing the character's two sides, and a black spike based on Rumi's signature sword. The cuffs measure approximately 0.4 inches, while the earrings are about 1.25 inches long.

• HUNTR/X Bracelets Set, $25: The three-piece set represents the group's three members through different designs. It contains a luminescent pink faux-pearl bracelet, a yellow gold-tone square-link bracelet, and a yellow gold-tone chain-link bracelet with a miniature HUNTR/X nameplate. Elastic cords allow the bracelets to stretch across most wrist sizes, and the pieces can be worn together or separately.

Netflix's merchandise expansion comes after several other KPop Demon Hunters products, including official skincare items, T-shirts, and Mattel dolls. The franchise has also moved into products connected to its music and characters.

KPop Demon Hunters Merchandise Extends Into Karaoke

The film's music has become another area for licensed products. Netflix has released an official HUNTR/X karaoke microphone designed for singing along to "Golden" and other songs, including material associated with the film's fictional groups.

The KPop Demon Hunters Karaoke Microphone costs $29.99 and has been described as an Amazon bestseller, with more than 600 units reportedly sold in the preceding few weeks. It connects wirelessly to tablets, smartphones, and computers through Bluetooth and uses built-in speakers to play music.

Its other features include:

• HUNTR/X branding in blue and purple.

• Built-in echo and pitch-modulation effects.

• Multicolored lighting effects that respond to music.

• An orb at the bottom inspired by the film's lightstick aesthetic.

• Voice controls through Siri or Google.

• USB-C power instead of disposable batteries.

• A touch-button control panel.

The microphone comes with a charging cable.

A separate KPop Demon Hunters Bluetooth Karaoke Machine is priced at $19.99. It combines a small Bluetooth speaker with a wireless microphone offering five voice effects. The HUNTR/X-themed speaker has LEDs that pulse with music and a small disco ball for additional lighting.

The approximately 9-by-4-inch system is designed to be portable and includes USB-C charging, a TF card slot, a flash card slot, and an AUX connection. Although the manufacturer eKids is known for children's technology products, the supplied material describes both karaoke products as suitable for all ages.

Rumi's Sain-geom Brings the Franchise Into Premium Collectibles

The merchandise range also includes a larger character collectible in the form of the Rumi Sain-geom Premium Electronic Sword.

The replica costs around $225, with the supplied material listing an approximate Singapore dollar equivalent of SGD 285.02. It includes the electronic sword and a plastic display stand.

The approximately 40-inch sword features:

• Glowing runes.

• More than 50 LEDs.

• Constellation-inspired details.

• Film-inspired sound effects.

• Four operating modes.

• Music-reactive effects.

• Singing-responsive effects.

• Motion-responsive lighting.

The design is based on Rumi's Sain-geom, also known as the Four Tiger Sword. When swung, the sword can activate different lighting patterns, while music from KPop Demon Hunters can alter the illumination in sync with the songs.

The singing-response feature allows the sword to react to the user's voice.

The electronic sword is currently available for preorder and is scheduled for release on July 1, 2027. The set includes a clear, purple-tinted display stand carrying the HUNTR/X logo. The sword has a rechargeable battery and USB-C port, allowing its illuminated features to operate while it is displayed.

Amazon is among the retailers accepting preorders, although availability and delivery schedules can vary by region.

KPop Demon Hunters’ Netflix Success Drives Its Growing Franchise

The scale of the merchandise push follows the film's performance on Netflix. KPop Demon Hunters began streaming on June 20, 2025, and became Netflix's most-watched original title, with more than 500M views, according to the supplied material.

A sing-along edition received limited theatrical screenings on Aug. 23 and 24 and again from Oct. 31 through Nov. 2, 2026.

The film was directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans and follows HUNTR/X as the members balance their lives as K-pop performers with their role as monster assassins. Their main opponents are the Saja Boys, a rival boy band whose members are secretly demons. The story draws on Korean heritage, mythology, demonology, and K-pop, while its visual influences include concert lighting, music videos, editorial photography, anime, and Korean dramas.

Sony Pictures Animation produced the film, with animation handled by Sony Pictures Imageworks. Marcelo Zarvos composed the score, while the soundtrack includes original songs from multiple musicians.

The film has also accumulated major awards.

It won Best Animated Feature at the 31st Critics' Choice Awards, 83rd Golden Globe Awards, and 98th Academy Awards. It was also named Time magazine's 2025 Breakthrough of the Year.

Its soundtrack has become a major part of the franchise's reach. Four songs, "Golden," "Soda Pop," "Your Idol," and "How It's Done," entered the Billboard Hot 100 top 10. The achievement made it the first film soundtrack to place four songs in the top 10 simultaneously. The supplied material also notes that it was the first soundtrack since Waiting to Exhale in 1995 to have at least three songs reach the top 10.

"Golden" eventually reached No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200 and became the longest-lasting No. 1 song by a fictional act on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. A sequel to KPop Demon Hunters is planned for 2029.

The franchise is also reaching audiences through fan-led live entertainment. "Moonlight Princesses: A Tribute to Demon Hunters" is scheduled for Sept. 19, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the Adler Theatre in Davenport, Iowa. Tickets start at $29.50.

The production features live vocals, choreography, and visual elements built around K-pop fashion, storytelling, and fantasy. It is explicitly not affiliated with a movie studio or entertainment company and is instead presented as a fan-inspired tribute. The event is scheduled at the Adler Theatre, 136 E. Third St., Davenport, Iowa 52801.

The combination of fashion jewelry, karaoke hardware, character replicas, apparel, skincare, dolls, and live events shows how KPop Demon Hunters has developed beyond its original animated film. The HUNTR/X jewelry collection is the latest part of that expansion, translating the group's fictional identity into products that can be worn and used outside the story itself.

Several Artist Alley vendors have accused the organisers of Anime India Mumbai 2026 of poor planning and communication during the three-day convention, adding scrutiny to the fast-growing anime event as it expands across Indian cities.

Anime India Mumbai was held from Aug. 28 to 30 at the NESCO Exhibition Centre in Goregaon and featured artists, merchandise sellers, cosplayers and Japanese industry guests including Naruto director Hayato Date.

Anime India Vendors Raise Multiple Concerns Over Event Management

Artist TAO told Anime News Network that some vendors began the opening day without tables despite paying between INR 12,000 and INR 22,000 for booth packages that were supposed to include tables, chairs and access to power.

TAO said some tables were not provided until between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Aug. 28 and that some vendors did not receive access to power sockets until the following day.

Other vendors raised separate concerns about the event on social media.

Artist Sumit Edison said in an Instagram post that AI-generated material was presented during parts of the convention focused on Indian animation and production. He also alleged that restrictions placed on some Artist Alley sellers were not applied consistently to other merchandise vendors.

Edison said AI-focused exhibitors were positioned alongside traditional artists and alleged that AI-generated work was presented during programming attended by Date. He also said visitors to Artist Alley were at times moved away from the area to accommodate VIP movement.

The claims could not be independently verified.

Artist and cosplayer Cosytales separately complained about internet access and communication with convention staff, while cosplayer Qwinnnbee in a statement to ANN described negative experiences involving staff, volunteers and attendees.

Anime India acknowledged that the Mumbai convention had faced operational problems. The organiser said some issues arose as the event increased in scale and that it planned to address vendor concerns at future editions.

Anime India, an initiative of AnimationXpress, has been expanding the convention beyond Mumbai. Its Kolkata edition was held on Feb. 14 and 15 at Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan, followed by an event in Delhi in June.

The first reported details for LEGO's 2027 KPop Demon Hunters lineup have surfaced, with five full-sized sets and a polybag potentially arriving on May 1, 2027. The information comes from Instagram account jjpsleaksite, which publishes reported future LEGO set lists, and includes set numbers and prices but no names or piece counts.

The reported lineup is nine months after the theme's first set, 72537 Derpy Tiger and Sussie Bird. LEGO has confirmed that more KPop Demon Hunters sets are planned for 2027, but the individual products in this reported wave have not been officially announced.

LEGO x KPop Demon Hunters 2027 Set List

The reported LEGO KPop Demon Hunters lineup includes five full-sized sets and one polybag:

• 72538: $24.99 USD | Pieces: TBC | Release: May 1, 2027

• 72539: $24.99 USD | Pieces: TBC | Release: May 1, 2027

• 72541: $129.99 USD | Pieces: TBC | Release: May 1, 2027

• 72542: $24.99 USD | Pieces: TBC | Release: May 1, 2027

• 72544: $59.99 USD | Pieces: TBC | Release: May 1, 2027

• 30746 Polybag: Price: TBC | Pieces: TBC | Release: May 1, 2027

No names, piece counts, or model descriptions have been reported for the five full-sized sets. The polybag is currently identified only by its reported set number, 30746.

What the LEGO KPop Demon Hunters Sets Could Feature

The reported list does not identify the models, leaving several parts of the film that could translate into LEGO sets.

HUNTR/X's private jet is one possible subject. It appears during ‘How It's Done,’ the film's opening song, and could provide a relatively compact vehicle alongside versions of the group's members and a demon. The source material also compares the idea with LEGO's existing Passenger Jet approach, noting that the 118-piece 60492 costs $29.99.

Character builds offer another route.

The existing 72537 already focuses on Derpy Tiger and Sussie Bird, while HUNTR/X and the Saja Boys could provide opportunities for additional buildable figures. The material points to Wicked and Wednesday as examples of LEGO's wider approach to character-focused builds, with different levels of scale potentially fitting the reported price tiers.

The groups' concert light sticks could also become a smaller display model. They are among the film's notable merchandise items, and a LEGO version could potentially hide a minifigure or mini-doll inside or use a light brick.

Soda Pop, which introduces the Saja Boys, could provide another $24.99-scale scene. Its colorful setting would also allow the group to appear in casual outfits.

A larger model could instead recreate the film's final battle with Gwi-Ma. Such a set could include the Saja Boys in their black robes inspired by traditional Korean hanbok and would be more suited to either the $59.99 or $129.99 reported price point.

Note: These concepts are not leaked descriptions and remain possibilities based on scenes and characters from the film.

LEGO's First KPop Demon Hunters Set

The reported expansion follows 72537 Derpy Tiger and Sussie Bird, the first LEGO KPop Demon Hunters set. The official product contains 825 pieces and is designed for ages 9 and up. It allows builders to switch Derpy Tiger between two expressions and pose both characters using movable parts. Accessories include two love notes and a flowerpot, while a compartment inside Derpy's head provides storage.

The completed model measures 21 cm high, 15 cm long, and 15 cm wide when Sussie Bird is positioned on Derpy's head. LEGO stated its designers focused on capturing the character's movement, expressions, and small details, including the shape of the tail.

LEGO designer, Wes Talbott, who worked on the LEGO KPop Demon Hunters Derpy Tiger and Sussie Bird set, said the character’s eyes were central to making the model recognizable.

The set reached stores on Aug 1, 2026, following its June 15 announcement and preorder launch.

KPop Demon Hunters Merchandise Goes Beyond LEGO

The potential LEGO expansion comes alongside a wider merchandise range for the Netflix film. Kohl's has launched a KPop Demon Hunters-inspired collection spanning clothing, collectibles, accessories, toys, home goods, and arts and crafts.

The range includes graphic T-shirts, pajamas, backpacks, sweatshirts, blankets, and beach towels. Dolls, plush toys, and other collectibles are also available, while arts and crafts products provide options for children and families.

The collection also includes a karaoke machine and sing-along microphone, reflecting the film's focus on music and its fictional K-pop groups. Kohl's is selling the products through its U.S. stores and website, with merchandise displayed across multiple departments.

By May 2027, the film will be approaching two years old. That timing could make the reported second LEGO wave significant for how the franchise's popularity translates into longer-term merchandise demand.

For now, however, the five set numbers, prices, polybag, and May 1 release date remain unconfirmed and should not be treated as official LEGO details.

Comic Con India will enter Navi Mumbai for the first time on Nov 28 and 29, 2026, bringing its 2026-27 season to the CIDCO Exhibition & Convention Centre. The event will start at 11 am and expand the convention’s presence across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

The Navi Mumbai edition follows Visakhapatnam, which was announced as the opening city of the new season.

India’s Fandom Economy Moves Beyond Major Cities

The event will combine gaming zones, creator interactions, live performances, merchandise, cosplay showcases, and brand experiences. CEO of Comic Con India, Shefali Johnson, stated that organizers had noticed fans and cosplayers from Navi Mumbai travelling to Mumbai, describing the debut as a way to give them a local platform.

Comic Con India, acquired by NODWIN Gaming, says its events have attracted more than 200K enthusiasts and generated a collective digital reach of over 330M. Its portfolio spans comics, anime, television, collectibles, film, gaming, and merchandise.

The convention has also featured international properties such as Marvel and DC alongside Indian comic creators.

Co-founder and managing director of NODWIN Gaming, Akshat Rathee, pointed to the city’s community groups, regional events, and cosplay initiatives as factors behind its growing connection with the wider metropolitan area. He said Comic Con India could bring together “young professionals, students, creators and pop-culture enthusiasts” through their shared love for “stories, characters and self-expression.”

NODWIN Gaming Expands Its Youth Entertainment Network

Founded in 2014 by Rathee and Gautam Virk, NODWIN operates across Taiwan, South Asia, the Middle East, Singapore, and Central Asia. Its investors include Nazara Technologies, Sony Group Corporation, Good Game Investments, KRAFTON, and JetSynthesys.

The company works across esports, gaming, pop culture, comedy, music, live events, and content, including leagues, tournaments, and reality shows. Its Navi Mumbai expansion adds another urban audience to that broader youth entertainment strategy.

Tickets are now available, with the Early Bird Superfan Pass priced at INR 2,999 and offering two-day entry along with exclusive fan merchandise and collectibles. Fans can purchase tickets through District, BookMyShow, Comic Con India Direct, and Skillbox.

The KPop Demon Hunters Anua skincare range brings Netflix’s Oscar-winning animated film into Korean beauty products. The character-themed collection includes sunscreens, masks, and spot patches available in India.

The Anua and Netflix collaboration features designs inspired by Mira, Rumi, Zoey, Baby Saja, and Derpy.

More than a year after HUNTR/X defeated the Saja Boys and protected the realm, Anua has extended the franchise into everyday skincare. The products retain Anua formulas while adding KPop Demon Hunters packaging and character details.

KPop Demon Hunters Anua skincare products and prices

The India lineup includes:

• Peach 70 Niacin Serum Face Mask: Contains peach extract, vitamins, antioxidants, and 2% niacinamide for uneven tone and dark spots.

• PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum Mask: Hydrates skin and leaves a luminous, moisturized finish.

• Heartleaf 77 Soothing Mask: Uses 77% Houttuynia cordata extract to soothe and hydrate sensitive or irritated skin.

• Zero Cast Moisturising Finish Sunscreen: Features Rumi’s signature on the tube.

• Golden Honmoon Ceramide Barrier Collagen Mask: Combines collagen and ceramides for dryness, dullness, dark spots, pores, and barrier care. The packaging features HUNTR/X.

• Invisible Glow Finish Sunscreen Stick: Contains hyaluronic acid, ceramides, panthenol, and peptides.

• Ultra-Thin Spot Cover Patch: Includes 55 character-inspired hydrocolloid patches measuring 0.25 mm, with Centella asiatica, aloe vera, and ceramides.

Nykaa lists the spot patches at INR 1,300, with the supplied listing showing INR 1,235 after 5% off. Its testing reports a 48.24% reduction in sebum and a 10% reduction in redness after two weeks.

KPop Demon Hunters Anua availability in India

Nykaa also lists a seven-piece Glow Skin Discovery Set at an MRP of INR 2,150 and a PDRN Discovery Set at INR 5,450 before discounts. Tira is another retailer carrying the collaboration.

The products are manufactured in South Korea by KOVAS Co., Ltd. and imported by Limese Retail Pvt. Ltd. The supplied spot-patch listing has an expiry date of January 15, 2029. 

The spot patches have a 4.5/5 rating from 11 verified Nykaa ratings.

Netflix is expanding KPop Demon Hunters beyond streaming, adding new toys, convention exclusives and a planned global concert tour as it seeks to turn the animated musical into a broader entertainment franchise.

The latest additions include Slimygloop Gelli Gels from Horizon Group USA and a new range of articulated action figures from Mattel. Monogram International is also preparing a limited HUNTR/X collectible for New York Comic Con, while Netflix and AEG Presents are developing a live arena production.

The push builds on Netflix’s October 2025 decision to name Mattel and Hasbro global co-master toy licensees for the property. The companies said products would begin reaching retailers in spring 2026 and continue through the holiday period and beyond.

KPop Demon Hunters Slimygloop Gelli Gels: Characters and Price

The current collection contains three designs:

• Derpy: A glittery blue Gelli Gel inspired by the blue tiger from the film.

• HUNTR/X: A pink design based on the group's four-sided symbol, incorporating elements representing Rumi, Mira, and Zoey alongside their fans.

• Saja Boys: A bright pink version featuring the boy band's lion-inspired logo. “Saja” refers to “lion” in Korean.

Each design costs $8.99 USD, equivalent to approximately MYR 36.23 based on the supplied pricing information. Prices can vary by retailer and region. Amazon lists Derpy, HUNTR/X, and Saja Boys, although stock differs between markets, and some versions have been selling quickly.

Slimygloop promoted the collection through its official Instagram account, @slimygloop, asking, “Who's joining the hunt?”

Mattel Launches Six-Inch Action Figures

Mattel released the first wave of its KPop Demon Hunters action figures on Sept. 1. The lineup includes individual figures of HUNTR/X members Rumi, Mira and Zoey and Saja Boys members Jinu and Abby. Each carried a suggested retail price of $21.99 at launch.

A Rumi-and-Demon Jinu final-battle two-pack was released alongside the individual figures for $44.99. Mattel has also unveiled figures of the remaining Saja Boys members—Romance, Baby and Mystery—but hasn’t announced a firm general-release date for them.

The figures have between 18 and 21 points of articulation, along with interchangeable faces, additional hands and character-specific accessories.

Rumi has 21 articulation points and comes with a kimbap roll, a ramyeon cup and her Four Tiger Sword. Mira has 18 points and includes her Curved Moon Sword, ramyeon and a kettle. Zoey has 20 points and comes with her Spirit Blades, ramyeon and shrimp crackers.

Jinu and Abby each have 18 articulation points. Jinu’s accessories include a microphone, sunglasses, soda can and Healer Han juice pack. Abby comes with a beanie, soda can and autograph, along with a removable representation of his exaggerated abdominal muscles.

The final-battle set depicts Rumi and Jinu in their concluding-film appearances. It includes Rumi’s sword and a HUNTR/X light stick, along with Jinu’s bipa and a Saja Boys light stick. Each figure also has interchangeable faces and hands.

Fashion and Singing Dolls Broaden the Range

Mattel’s larger-format doll range includes HUNTR/X “Golden” singing dolls and conventional fashion dolls based on Rumi, Mira, Zoey and Jinu.

The singing versions of Rumi, Mira and Zoey wear outfits inspired by the group’s “Golden” performance. Each has five posable joints and plays three clips from the song. U.S. retailers have listed the dolls for about $33 each.

The fashion dolls place Rumi, Mira and Zoey in their “How It’s Done” costumes and Jinu in his “Soda Pop” outfit. Each has 11 posable joints and accessories associated with the character. Mattel and major U.S. retailers have listed them for about $27 each.

Retail prices in India vary sharply, particularly for imported stock. Those listings shouldn’t be treated as official Indian suggested retail prices.

Mattel is separately taking preorders for an $80 Demon Jinu Collector Doll chosen through a fan vote. The doll stands 12 inches tall—or 14 inches while wearing its boots and traditional gat—and includes rooted hair, a pearlized demon pattern and an authenticity certificate.

Mattel’s current product page lists 11 points of articulation. The company says orders will ship on or before June 4, 2027.

Mattel’s KPop Demon Hunters Doll Prices and Availability

The supplied prices are:

• Rumi Singing Golden Doll: INR 7,299 (~$77) on Amazon

• Zoey Singing Golden Doll: INR 7,370 (~$78) on Amazon

• Mira Singing Golden Doll: INR 7,463 (~$79) on Amazon

• Mira Fashion Doll: INR 2,550 (~$27)

• Rumi Fashion Doll: INR 2,550 (~$27)

• Jinu Fashion Doll: INR 6,424 (~$68) on Amazon

• Zoey Fashion Doll: INR 6,235 (~$66) on Amazon

Retail prices can vary.

Orders are available through Mattel Creations, Walmart, Amazon, and Target, with availability rolling out in phases from late July 2026. In India, most of the dolls are already available through Amazon.

Mattel is also preparing a Demon Jinu Collector Doll, selected through a public fan vote. Priced at $80, or approximately INR 7,558.30, the 12-inch collector doll has 14 points of articulation, rooted hair, pearlized detailing, and character-inspired accessories. It is scheduled to ship on or before June 4, 2027.

KPop Demon Hunters Coming to NYCC 2026

Monogram International will bring its KPop Demon Hunters HUNTR/X 3D Foam Bag Clips 3PC Set to NYCC 2026 as one of its first announced exclusives. Priced at $25, the set features Mira, Rumi, and Zoey, with each character designed with glittering gold details. The three-piece collection will come in a clear PVC display box.

Only 260 sets will be available at NYCC 2026, making the collection a limited release for KPop Demon Hunters fans.

Netflix and AEG Prepare Global Concert Tour

Netflix and AEG Presents confirmed in May that they are developing a global KPop Demon Hunters concert tour intended to bring elements of the film’s performances to arenas.

The companies haven’t announced cities, dates, ticket-sale schedules or participating performers. Netflix has instead opened an online waitlist for future information.

Bloomberg and Reuters reported in March, before the formal announcement, that the parties had discussed shows in arenas holding 10,000 to 20,000 people. Those venue capacities haven’t been confirmed as part of the final tour plan.

The film uses separate speaking and singing casts. Arden Cho, May Hong and Ji-young Yoo provide the speaking voices of Rumi, Mira and Zoey, while EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami perform their songs. Netflix hasn’t said which, if any, of those performers will participate in the tour, or whether the production will use animation, projection or other virtual elements.

The tour follows a run that made KPop Demon Hunters Netflix’s most-watched film. It has accumulated more than 500 million views and won the 2026 Academy Awards for animated feature and original song. “Golden” also won the Grammy for best song written for visual media, becoming the first K-pop track to win that category.

Its soundtrack became the first movie soundtrack to place four songs in the Billboard Hot 100’s top 10 at the same time.

Netflix has also confirmed a sequel, with Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans returning as directors under an exclusive multiyear writing-and-directing agreement covering animation. No release date has been announced.

The expanding product lineup and arena plans show Netflix treating KPop Demon Hunters less as a stand-alone streaming success and more as a franchise that can generate sales across toys, collectibles, live events and future films.

KPop Demon Hunters is expanding beyond its Netflix release with Mattel’s Deluxe Rumi Doll, based on HUNTR/X leader, Rumi. Priced at $54 USD, the collector doll recreates her battle outfit from the film and includes her Sain-geom.

The 11.5-inch doll has 11 points of articulation, fully rooted hair, and movie-inspired makeup. Its fabric outfit draws from Rumi’s battle look, while the premium window-box packaging lets collectors display the figure without opening it.

The doll is available through Mattel Creations, subject to availability and purchase limits.

KPop Demon Hunters Merchandise Expands Across the Cast

Mattel’s merchandise lineup also includes an Abby action figure from the Saja Boys. The 7.1-inch figure costs $22 and has 18 points of articulation, interchangeable faces and hands, and his “Soda Pop” outfit. It comes with a yellow beanie, a mango-flavored soda can, and an autographed photo. The window-box packaging features artwork inspired by the film.

The figure is available through Mattel Creations and the official Mattel store.

The franchise is also getting a retail promotion from Smyths Toys. On Sep 5, 2026, stores across the U.K. and Ireland will offer fans a free limited-edition poster and access to a two-meter KPop Demon Hunters-themed backdrop. The event runs from 9 am to 5 pm while stocks last.

Ten selected Smyths locations will additionally feature photo booths and themed play areas based on the film’s world. The retailer is also highlighting the wider toy range, including singing Mira, Rumi, and Zoey dolls, as well as LEGO’s Derpy Tiger and Sussie Bird set.

KPop Demon Hunters Sequel Keeps the Story Moving

The Netflix film follows Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, members of HUNTR/X who balance their careers as K-pop performers with secretly protecting the world from supernatural threats. Its mix of comedy, action, and music has helped the songs, characters, and wider universe gain attention beyond the movie itself.

Netflix has confirmed a sequel, with Mira, Rumi, and Zoey set to return. The supplied information identifies 2029 as a current projection for release.

Music has provided another route for the franchise to remain in the spotlight.

Kelly Clarkson performed Golden during the final taping of The Kelly Clarkson Show. According to the show's official YouTube page, it was Clarkson's most requested cover.

Meanwhile, Golden became the first K-pop song to win an Oscar for Best Original Song.

The combination of Mattel collectibles, Smyths promotions, and continued attention around the soundtrack shows how KPop Demon Hunters has developed into a broader entertainment property. Rumi remains at the center of its merchandise expansion.

The Art of KPop Demon Hunters is set to give fans a closer look at the character work and production decisions behind HUNTR/X. The book includes previously unseen material showing how Mira, Rumi, and Zoey were developed as a team.

The official 144-page book by Tracey Miller-Zarneke, published by Random House Worlds, releases Sep 8, 2026. It includes more than 500 pieces of concept art, production material, and commentary from the filmmakers and artists.

KPop Demon Hunters debuted on Netflix on June 20, 2025, following HUNTR/X members Rumi, Mira, and Zoey as they balance their K-pop careers with their role as demon hunters. Their music is tied to the creation of the Honmoon, the magical barrier protecting the human world from demons.

However, Rumi's personal story revolves around her half-demon identity and her relationship with Jinu.

KPop Demon Hunters Art Book Puts HUNTR/X's Relationship Under the Spotlight

The film establishes HUNTR/X as a close trio, but the art book provides more context for why their relationship works. The production material connects their bond to the characters' individual experiences, particularly Rumi's childhood after the death of her warrior mother.

Writer and director of KPop Demon Hunters, Maggie Kang, describes HUNTR/X as “a family of sorts, especially for Rumi.” She explains that all three women experienced broken families and lonely upbringings, making their friendship a source of belonging and security.

That idea is reflected in the development artwork.

One section titled Manifesting the Trio shows Mira, Rumi, and Zoey in informal settings, including relaxed group scenes and everyday interactions. Other character sheets examine their individual expressions, hairstyles, clothing, and personalities.

The artwork also makes an important distinction between development concepts and the final designs. Some early studies show Zoey with blue hair, Mira with coral-pink hair and yellow-tinted glasses, and Rumi with pale lavender, two-tone hair. These are not their finished appearances. The film ultimately gives Rumi purple hair, Mira long pink-coral hair, and Zoey short black hair.

These details come from Polygon, which was given an exclusive preview of six pages from the book ahead of its release. The pages cover HUNTR/X, Jinu, the Saja Boys, Soda Pop, and Golden, offering a look at how the characters and sequences developed from early concepts to the designs seen on screen.

KPop Demon Hunters Concept Art Tracks the Saja Boys' Transformation

The Saja Boys material shifts the focus to Jinu, Mystery, Romance, Abby, and Baby. Their development pages explore exaggerated idol proportions, expressions, costumes, and performance poses before showing the polished public image used by the fictional boy band.

A separate Chapter 9: Soda Pop section places the five members in Seoul as crowds gather around them. The artwork identifies the group through Romance's pink hair, Abby's orange-toned styling, Baby's green hair, Jinu's dark hair, and Mystery's purple hair. Hearts, cameras, Korean signage, and colorful advertisements reinforce their carefully manufactured celebrity image.

The sequence also reflects one of the film's central visual contrasts.

During Soda Pop, the Saja Boys' influence spreads through Seoul under a magenta visual treatment, connecting their pop-star persona with their supernatural purpose. Netflix's production material similarly identifies magenta as a visual marker of the demons' influence.

Jinu receives a more detailed character-development section. Black-and-white studies examine his dancing, gestures, walking, and expressions, while color artwork compares his human idol appearance with his demon form. The demon version features purple-blue skin, glowing yellow eyes, and markings extending across his face and body.

Those markings were designed to look integrated into his skin rather than applied like conventional tattoos. Production notes describe soft, broken edges and a reflective quality intended to make them appear embedded beneath the surface.

KPop Demon Hunters Art Book Shows How ‘Golden’ Became a Visual Identity

Another section follows HUNTR/X's rollout of Golden, from fictional social-media posts and a countdown to storyboard material, to the finished performance aesthetic.

The main character artwork places Rumi, Mira, and Zoey in coordinated white, pale blue, black, and gold costumes. Iridescent details connect their styling to the Golden Honmoon, while Netflix has identified iridescence as a recurring visual language across HUNTR/X's weapons, costumes, and eventual Rainbow Honmoon.

The production pages also show that Golden was more than a fictional single within the movie. The song serves as the story’s central musical and emotional thread, connecting HUNTR/X’s individual struggles with their shared goal of restoring the Honmoon. Its impact extended beyond the film, with Golden spending eight weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and 18 weeks atop the Billboard Global 200, tying the record for the longest run at No. 1.

It also became the first No. 1 hit by a female K-pop act on the Hot 100 and the fastest song to reach Spotify’s Billions Club.

KPop Demon Hunters Expands Into Collectibles and Physical Media

The book arrives as the franchise continues expanding beyond Netflix.

• Funko: Upcoming Bitty Pop! Stage releases feature Rumi, Mira, and Zoey in their “How It's Done” outfits. Each 0.9-inch figure comes with a 2-inch stage and acrylic display case. The releases are priced at $7.99 and are available for preorder.

• Mattel: Its lineup includes a deluxe Rumi fashion doll, HUNTR/X figures, Jinu and Abby figures, as well as the Rumi and Demon Jinu Final Battle 2-pack.

• Criterion Collection: KPop Demon Hunters is scheduled for release on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD on Nov 3, 2026. The 4K edition includes a new director-approved master, a making-of documentary, a feature-length animatic, and other special features.

Taken together, the book's character studies and production artwork show that HUNTR/X was built around more than a shared identity as fictional K-pop stars. The development process treated Mira, Rumi, and Zoey as three distinct characters whose differences, personal histories, and evolving designs had to work together before the trio could function as the emotional center of KPop Demon Hunters.

The real strength of KPop Demon Hunters is that beneath the demons, music, and spectacle, it understands that the most powerful thing HUNTR/X fights for is the sense of belonging they find in one another.

Pixar’s decision to leave WALL-E as a standalone film dates back to 2016, when President of Pixar, Jim Morris, announced that the studio would shift toward original stories after Toy Story 4, Cars 3, and The Incredibles 2. However, a Sept 2, 2026, viral X post claims WALL-E 2 has been announced for summer 2028, with WALL-E and EVE returning to find Earth transformed into a massive Buy n Large crypto-mining facility.

There is currently no verified Pixar or Variety announcement supporting the claim.

Why Pixar Rejected WALL-E 2 in 2016

Released in 2008, WALL-E follows a waste-collecting robot who finds EVE on an abandoned Earth and eventually joins humanity aboard the Axiom. The film earned more than $521M USD worldwide, received five Academy Award nominations, and won Best Animated Feature.

In a 2016 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Morris stated that Pixar's filmmaker-driven approach meant sequels required a genuine creative reason. Regarding WALL-E, he said the story was “really a love story that had its beginning, middle and end,” although he acknowledged that revisiting its world could show humanity rebuilding Earth.

At the time, Pixar's announced sequel run consisted of Cars 3 in 2017, Toy Story 4 in 2018, and The Incredibles 2 in 2019. After those projects, the studio planned to prioritize original productions.

Pixar’s Sequel Revival Does Not Confirm WALL-E 2

That strategy eventually changed. Pixar later returned to established franchises, including with Inside Out 2, showing that sequels remained part of the studio’s long-term release strategy.

The WALL-E 2 claim, however, comes from an X account identified as a parody account. The account has used the names of prominent media outlets while also stating in its profile and description that it has no affiliation with those organizations. The claim therefore does not establish that Pixar is developing WALL-E 2.

For now, WALL-E remains a standalone film, consistent with the creative reasoning Pixar gave for not pursuing a sequel in 2016.

Los Angeles has designated Sep 1-8, 2026, as ‘BTS Week’ as the K-pop group kicks off four sold-out ARIRANG world tour shows at SoFi Stadium. The city will also illuminate City Hall in red on Sep 1, using the color associated with BTS' fifth studio album, ARIRANG, as part of its official welcome.

The concerts are scheduled for Sep 1, 2, 5, and 6, marking BTS' return to SoFi Stadium a little less than five years after its Permission to Dance on Stage performances in December 2021. 

BTS Receives Official Recognition From Los Angeles City Council

A proclamation ceremony was held at City Hall on Aug 31, 2026, attended by city council members, tourism officials, and BIGHIT MUSIC executives.

Mayor Karen Bass stated that the recognition reflects the ability of arts and culture to foster mutual understanding and unite communities. She also added that Los Angeles is proud of BTS' contribution to global culture and its connection with the city.

The City Council's resolution described BTS, which debuted in 2013, as one of its generation's most influential artists and credited the group with helping open opportunities for Korean and other Asian performers internationally. It also recognized the group's messages of self-love and hope through music, performances, and campaigns, including its broader efforts to promote Korean culture.

BTS Week Follows Similar Tour Honors

Los Angeles joins several locations that have marked BTS' ARIRANG tour with civic recognition. El Paso County in Texas, along with Illinois and Toronto, have each designated a BTS Week or BTS Day to coincide with the group's performances.

With City Hall joining the celebration and four SoFi Stadium dates already sold out, BTS' Los Angeles return combines a major concert stop with an official citywide cultural welcome.

Pokémon Wild Card is bringing the Pokémon Trading Card Game to a feature-length animated movie, with an unnamed TCG player and Mimikyu leading the story. The Pokémon Company announced the film on Aug 31, 2026, during the Pokémon World Championships.

The announcement confirmed that Pokémon Wild Card will receive a worldwide release starting in 2027.

Pokémon Wild Card Introduces a New Pokémon Movie Format

The official announcement identifies the protagonists as “the player” and Mimikyu. The official Pokémon YouTube teaser highlights the Pokémon TCG, while the promotional artwork credits CloverWorks as the animation studio, Katsuhiko Kitada as the director, and Akemi Hayashi as the character designer.

The project also marks a new direction for Pokémon’s theatrical animation. Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle, released in 2020, remains the most recent film and was the franchise’s 23rd animated feature. It featured Ash and Pikachu, while a planned 24th movie that would have moved beyond Ash was ultimately scrapped.

The TCG Finally Gets a Feature-Length Story

The card game has previously received limited animated representation. Pokémon: Path to the Peak, a four-part miniseries released in 2023, followed TCG player Ava and her Oddish. The TCG has also appeared in two Game Boy Color games, but Wild Card will give the card game its first feature-length animated treatment.

The film’s human lead appears older and more reserved than Ash in the promotional material. Although the character’s name and story details remain undisclosed, the pairing with Mimikyu signals a new direction for the Pokémon movie franchise.

SM Entertainment has formed a Beijing-based joint venture (JV) with Tencent Music Entertainment Group (TME) to expand its business across Chinese-speaking markets. Named STE, the company will develop Chinese artists, support SM acts in the region, and launch a new Chinese idol group within two to three years.

SM Targets Chinese Idol Market With New Venture

The partnership follows an MOU signed by SM and TME in May.

STE will conduct auditions for its new group and handle the artists' management in China after their debut. Zhoumi, a member of Super Junior-M and a director at SM's Chinese subsidiary, has been appointed CEO.

The venture will also support Chinese-speaking activities for NCT Dream's Renjun and WayV members Yangyang and Xiaojun. Zhoumi stated that STE will combine SM's intellectual property (IP) and content production capabilities with TME's knowledge of Chinese-speaking entertainment markets.

SM Move Reflects Wider K-Pop China Strategy

SM's expansion follows JYP China's February partnership with TME and CJ ENM to establish Onecead. The venture manages Chinese boy group Modyssey, created through an Mnet Plus competition, and plans to expand into music concerts, production, and merchandise.

The moves come as South Korea's entertainment industry watches for a possible easing of China's unofficial restrictions on Korean cultural content. The restrictions followed South Korea's 2017 THAAD deployment, although Beijing has never formally acknowledged a Hallyu ban.

Hopes for improved cultural ties grew after South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed cultural exchanges at the 2025 APEC summit in Gyeongju. Reports also indicated that Jinping responded positively to a proposal for a large K-pop concert in Beijing.

During Lee's January state visit to China, the leaders agreed to expand cultural and content exchanges gradually and in phases. Lee later quoted Xi as saying, "ice 3 meters thick does not melt in a single day." South Korean Culture Minister Chae Hwi-young nevertheless said in February 2026 that tangible progress remained limited.

STE gives SM a local partnership as the industry prepares for greater China engagement without assuming the restrictions have been fully lifted.

Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu will stream exclusively on Disney+ worldwide in 2027, marking Pokémon’s first stop-motion series produced by Aardman. The Pokémon Company International and Disney+ announced their global distribution agreement on Aug 28, 2026.

A teaser trailer and new footage were also presented during PokémonXP.

Pokémon Tales Takes Sirfetch’d and Pichu Across Galar

The series follows Sirfetch’d and Pichu as they travel through the Galar region to protect other Pokémon. Their missions bring them into encounters with dangers, rivals, and allies, while their experiences gradually develop their friendship. A PokémonXP panel titled Behind the Scenes with Aardman featured director Tom Parkinson, creative director, Natalie McKay, and creative lead, James Young.

Aardman, the British studio behind Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep, is handling the stop-motion production. Disney Branded Television President Ayo Davis said the studio offers a new way to present familiar Pokémon. At the same time, The Pokémon Company International’s Phil Rynda highlighted the decision to tell the adventure from Pokémon’s point of view.

The trailer shows the pair attempting to protect Pokémon across Galar, with their plans repeatedly running into trouble. Peril, alliances, rivalries, and comedy will shape their journey.

Pokémon Expands its Animation Lineup

The series adds to Pokémon’s recent lineup of standalone animated projects. These include the World Earth Day anime, CoMix Wave Films’ Dragonite short released for Pokémon Day 2025, and the recent POKÉTOON short Wartortle and the Continuation of Summer, directed by Shingo Yamashita.

It will also arrive in the same year as Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves, the Generation 10 games announced during Pokémon Presents on February 27, 2026, for Nintendo Switch 2.

Jujutsu Kaisen season 4 has received a new teaser visual for The Culling Game Part 2, as MAPPA continues work on the next stage of the anime adaptation. The visual was unveiled on Aug 29, 2026, at Jujutsu Fest 2026 in Japan, which celebrates the anime’s fifth anniversary.

The official Jujutsu Kaisen account also posted the visual on X, while the franchise website confirms that season 4 is in production. No premiere date has been announced.

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 4 Continues the Culling Game

The announcement follows the Season 4 teaser released in June 2026. Its promotional material features Sukuna saying, “Do you remember? I told you that you’d get to see something interesting.”

The next part will continue the Culling Game storyline following season 3, which aired from January 2026.

Takeru Sato, previously an assistant director on season 3, is directing, with Shota Goshozono serving as chief director. Hiroshi Seko remains on series composition, joined by character designers Yosuke Yajima, Hiromi Niwa, and Sota Yamazaki. Yoshimasa Terui is composing the music.

Jujutsu Kaisen Franchise Expands Beyond the Main Anime

Gege Akutami’s manga concluded in September 2024 after a six-and-a-half-year run, spanning 30 volumes. It has surpassed 150M copies in worldwide circulation, including digital editions. Volumes 29 and 30 were released together on Dec 25, 2024, while VIZ Media handles the English license.

The franchise’s 2025 theatrical releases included Hidden Inventory/Premature Death and a return of Jujutsu Kaisen 0, which earned ¥26.5B (~$166M USD) worldwide. Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution followed in November 2025, combining the Shibuya Incident special edit with the opening episodes of season 3.

The franchise also launched Jujutsu Kaisen ≡ (Modulo) in Weekly Shonen Jump in September 2025. Written by Akutami and illustrated by Yuji Iwasaki, the short-term spin-off ended with its third volume in May 2026 and later received an animated trailer.

Crunchyroll streams the three TV seasons and Jujutsu Kaisen 0, while the franchise also extends into games such as Phantom Parade and Cursed Clash, as well as the Jujutsu Kaisen The Stage stage-play adaptation. With season 4 now in production, the anime remains focused on completing the story that began with Yuji Itadori’s encounter with Sukuna and the jujutsu world.

OpenAI has launched ChatGPT Ads in India, bringing sponsored placements to logged-in adults on the Free and Go tiers. The rollout targets one of ChatGPT’s largest markets as OpenAI expands advertising alongside subscription and enterprise revenue.

The move comes as OpenAI prepares for a potential public-market debut after confidentially filing for an IPO in June 2026. Its revenue reached $6.7B USD in the June quarter, up from $5.7B previously, while its operating loss widened to $12.3B from $9.3B.

How Will ChatGPT Ads Work in India?

Ads will appear below responses when a relevant sponsored product or service is available.

They will be clearly labelled and visually separated from ChatGPT’s answers. The Go plan costs INR 399 per month in India, while Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Education users will remain ad-free.

WPP and Omnicom are OpenAI’s first agency partners in India, covering strategy, measurement, creative, brand safety, and campaign execution. More than 50 brands are expected to launch this week. Self-serve Ads Manager opens Sep 4, 2026, with daily budgets from INR 725.

India is OpenAI’s second-largest ChatGPT market, with more than 100M weekly users as of February 2026. The company reported that its weekly active users have doubled year-over-year (YoY), while ChatGPT has crossed 1B weekly users globally.

Dave Dugan, OpenAI’s vice president and head of global ads solutions, stated that India is a dynamic market where people use ChatGPT to “learn, build, and discover.”

What is Next for ChatGPT Ads?

OpenAI noted that ads will not influence ChatGPT responses. Advertisers will not receive users’ chats, histories, memories, or personal details, and the company does not sell user data. Campaign reporting will instead provide aggregate metrics such as impressions and clicks.

Ads will be excluded from accounts identified as belonging to minors and from sensitive areas, including politics, health, and mental health.

OpenAI announced its advertising plans in January 2026, began testing in the U.S. in February, and said the pilot reached $100M USD in annualized revenue within six weeks. It later expanded to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the U.K., Brazil, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, and 31 European countries.

The company expects to introduce more ad formats, objectives, and buying options.

Netflix has expanded One Piece season 3 with four new cast members as the live-action adaptation moves into the Alabasta storyline. Emilio Sakraya (Koza), Omid Abtahi (Toto), Jamie Ward (Pell), and Nabeel Khan (Chaka) will join the cast. One Piece Season 3 is scheduled to premiere in 2027.

The casting was revealed during ONE PIECE DAY ’26 in Tokyo on Aug 23, 2026. The four actors will take on roles tied to Alabasta’s rebellion and royal defense:

• Koza: Princess Vivi’s childhood friend and leader of the rebellion.

• Toto: Koza’s father, who lives in the desert town of Yuba.

• Pell: One of Alabasta’s chief guards.

• Chaka: A senior guard responsible for the kingdom’s royal defense.

One Piece Season 3 Returning Cast and Production Details

The four actors bring different credits to the Netflix adaptation:

• Jamie Ward: Has appeared in His Dark Materials and The Gentlemen.

• Nabeel Khan: Has worked as a stuntman and appeared in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom and Strike Back.

• Emilio Sakraya: Has appeared in Rheingold, Fortitude, and Those About to Die.

• Omid Abtahi: His credits include The Mandalorian, American Gods, Better Call Saul, and The Boys.

Meanwhile, the core Straw Hat cast will continue into Season 3, with Iñaki Godoy returning as Luffy alongside Mackenyu as Zoro, Emily Rudd as Nami, Jacob Romero as Usopp, and Taz Skylar as Sanji. Charithra Chandran will reprise Princess Vivi, while Joe Manganiello returns as Crocodile.

Season 3 will also feature Cole Escola as Bon Clay and Xolo Maridueña as Portgas D. Ace. Daisy Head joins as Miss Doublefinger, while Awdo Awdo will portray Mr. 1. Lera Abova and Sendhil Ramamurthy will also return.

Joe Tracz and Ian Stokes remain co-showrunners, and filming has wrapped in Cape Town, South Africa. Netflix Anime welcomed the four newcomers with the line, “Every kingdom is shaped by the people willing to fight for it.”

One Piece Film: God Valley Joins a Crowded 2027 Lineup

The live-action casting was part of a larger ONE PIECE DAY ’26 presentation. The World Top 100 character poll received 13,086,239 votes across 1,567 characters, with Monkey D. Luffy taking first place ahead of Roronoa Zoro and Sanji.

Creator Eiichiro Oda will design special outfit illustrations for the top 30 characters, which will appear in the anime, One Piece Card Game, and merchandise.

Toei Animation also announced ONE PIECE FILM GOD VALLEY for summer 2027 in Japan and ONE PIECE FILM BAAD for 2029. God Valley will adapt the God Valley Incident from the Elbaph Arc, covering the conflict involving Rocks D. Xebec, the island’s destruction, and its sinking into the sea.

Further details about Baad have not been revealed, and global release dates for both films remain unconfirmed.

The live-action series debuted in August 2023 and drew more than 18M views during its first month. With Season 3's production complete and its Alabasta cast expanding, Netflix has confirmed 2027 but has yet to announce a specific premiere date.

The 2027 box office could become a major battleground for anime, with Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Part 2 and One Piece Film God Valley both targeting the year. If their release windows overlap, the films could compete directly for audiences.

NODWIN Gaming has announced Space Fest India, billed as India's first dedicated festival for space, science, innovation, and space-inspired entertainment. The announcement was made at a press conference held at Trident in Mumbai on August 25, with the event backed by the Government of Maharashtra. The inaugural edition will be held at Nehru Science Centre in Mumbai, with dates and the full guest lineup to be confirmed later.

The press conference was attended by Maharashtra Industries Minister Dr Uday Samant, Principal Secretary Dr P Anbalagan IAS, and MIDC Mumbai CEO Shri Deependra Singh Kushwah IAS.

SpaceFest’s Ambitious Goals

The event is designed to bring together global space industry leaders, startups, policymakers, creators, students, and enthusiasts under one roof, blending technical content with entertainment. The program will include keynote addresses and panel discussions from figures across the Indian and global space ecosystem, major policy announcements, international partnerships and MoU signings, and showcases from space-tech startups.

Beyond the industry-facing content, SpaceFest will feature dedicated zones for sci-fi, gaming, and space-inspired entertainment, celebrity appearances, fan engagement, investor interactions, hardware exhibits, and aerospace technology demonstrations. A school outreach program and a college-level innovation challenge are planned as lead-up activities ahead of the main event.

Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director, NODWIN Gaming, shared his thoughts on the new venture, stating, “I truly believe India’s time has come. When I met Dr. P. Anbalagan and shared this idea, it immediately resonated with our shared vision of creating opportunities for young Indians to explore and build careers in the space sector. As the ecosystem grows, we will see more industries join, investments increase, and our young talent gain exposure and opportunities."

Aarti Harbhajanka, Co-Founder and MD, Primus Partners India said in the official press release, “I am delighted to be part of this mission. Space is no longer limited to government agencies, it is now a growing ecosystem that includes startups, entrepreneurs, students, AI, robotics, deep tech and much more."

SpaceFest arrives at a moment when India's space sector is expanding on multiple fronts. NASA recently invited ISRO to participate in its plans for a permanent human presence on the Moon, reflecting India's growing profile as a global space power. Government policy has also progressively opened the sector to private participation, creating the kind of ecosystem that an event like SpaceFest is positioned to serve.

For NODWIN, SpaceFest represents another expansion beyond its core gaming identity into a broader youth entertainment and innovation remit. Whether it can establish itself as a genuine annual platform in the space and science community, alongside its pop culture dimensions, will become clearer once dates and programming are confirmed.

YouTube has changed its public view-counting system globally, with a view now recorded when playback begins from the first frame. Effective Aug 24, 2026, the rule applies to Shorts, long-form videos, and live streams, meaning public counters can rise faster even when viewers leave within seconds.

YouTube announced the change on Aug 17 as an effort to create a consistent measurement system across formats.

Shorts have used first-frame counting since March 2025, while long-form videos previously required an undisclosed minimum watch time, widely estimated at around 30 seconds. The new standard applies to playbacks from today (Aug 24), with no indication that older views will be recalculated.

YouTube View Counts Will Now Measure Exposure

The shift makes the public counter less representative of sustained viewing. YouTube reported that creators should expect totals to increase faster, while the stricter measurement remains available as engaged views in Analytics' Advanced Mode.

That metric shows whether viewers continued watching after playback started.

The distinction also matters for brands and sponsors assessing creator reach. Public views now indicate that playback occurred, while engaged views provide a clearer measure of audience attention.

YouTube Earnings and YPP Eligibility Stay Unchanged

The counting change does not alter monetization. YouTube says YouTube Partner Program (YPP) earnings will continue using engaged views and engaged watch hours, while eligibility will use qualified views and qualified watch hours.

YouTube will still remove low-quality activity, including repeated viewing across devices or multiple windows and tabs. Counters can be delayed, frozen, or adjusted while systems verify legitimate engagement.

For paid advertising, TrueView rules remain separate, with qualifying actions including specified watch durations or interactions depending on the ad format. Public advertising views can contribute to the displayed view count when playback begins.

Creators can monitor performance through analytics, although real-time figures are estimates and can differ from the public counter.

Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War (TYBW) – The Calamity episode 6 will continue the final cour after the events of episode 5, Defend You. The episode left Ichigo’s battle with Yhwach unresolved, while Uryu gained an advantage against Jugram and Orihime confronted the Quincy King.

Bleach TYBW Episode 6 Release Date, Time and Where to Watch

Episode 6 is scheduled for Aug 29, 2026. The supplied release schedule lists the following international release times:

• Japan: 11 pm JST

• Pacific Time: 7:30 am PDT

• Mountain Time: 8:30 am MDT

• Central Time: 9:30 am CDT

• Eastern Time: 10:30 am EDT

• U.K.: 2:30 pm GMT

Episodes are scheduled to release weekly on Saturdays, with English subtitles and the English dub arriving together. The series is listed on Hulu in the U.S., Disney+ across several international markets, and Prime Video and JioHotstar for Indian viewers.

The final cour is planned to continue through Episode 50.

What Does Bleach TYBW Episode 5 Set up for Episode 6?

Spoiler warning: Major spoilers for Episode 5 follow.

Episode 5 saw Ichigo unveil his True Bankai after Yhwach repeatedly overwhelmed him and Orihime. His massive Getsuga Tensho created one of the episode’s biggest visual moments, but Yhwach’s Almighty remained a major obstacle. Uryu, meanwhile, used Antithesis and the Sanrei Glove against Jugram, exploiting the three-second interval connected to the Almighty, borrowed from Yhwach.

The biggest cliffhanger involved Orihime.

After Rukia was incapacitated and Ichigo was pinned down, she confronted Yhwach using her Shun Shun Rikka. The sequence ended with flower imagery and the words “DEFEND YOU” and “LIFE TO.” Although the scene made her fate appear uncertain, the supplied information confirms that Orihime survives.

Episode 5’s major transformations, emotional stakes, animation and sound quality have driven strong fan reaction, with viewers expressing excitement over the episode. The supplied listing gives the series an overall IMDb rating of 9/10.

The combination also reinforces Bleach’s position among anime’s Big Three, alongside One Piece and Naruto. Meanwhile, Bleach: TYBW Part 4 Episode 7 is reportedly set to focus heavily on Ichigo’s Bankai and could reportedly carry a production budget of around $2M USD.

If accurate, that would reportedly make it the most expensive episode in Studio Pierrot’s history and potentially the second-highest-budget anime episode reported, behind Demon Slayer season 4, episode 8, at around $2.2M. However, the budget has not been officially confirmed.

Episode 6 now has to follow up on Orihime’s confrontation while continuing Ichigo’s battle against Yhwach.

CD PROJEKT RED has announced that Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 will premiere exclusively on Netflix on October 20, 2026. The announcement arrived with a new trailer for the 10-episode standalone anime, introducing a new cast and another story set in Night City.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 Trailer Sets up for the Release

The new trailer offers a preview of the characters and the series' revenge and redemption themes. Its featured track, “A Rusty Dream,” was written, composed, arranged, and performed by DOUDOU and is scheduled to release on Aug 22, 2026.

The official website also gives viewers character profiles and details about the show's story and creators.

The site stands out for its interactive design, with teaser footage running in the background while elements such as “Watch Teaser” and “Add to My List” respond to cursor movement and clicks. Similar reactive details appear throughout Cyberpunk 2077, giving the website a stronger connection to the game’s world. Likewise, the trailer’s animation and layered sound design further reinforce the Cyberpunk atmosphere.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 Brings a New Story to Night City

Created by CD PROJEKT RED and TRIGGER, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 follows a new group of characters whose lives become intertwined across Night City. The story centers on Weak, a former edgerunner once known as King, who now lives without chrome while searching for a sense of purpose. D, a Snake Nation netrunner, pursues revenge after his clan is killed.

The cast also includes Roman Carax, a young cinephile documenting real stories in a city that has moved from filmmaking toward braindance, and Talia, who grew up in corporate towers before becoming involved with Maelstrom. The series explores dreams, family, obsession, regrets, legacy, and revenge through their connected stories.

Director Kai Ikarashi leads the anime, with Kanno Ichigo serving as lead character designer. Ikarashi previously directed Episode 6 of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners and has also contributed key animation and episode direction to projects including Promare and Heavenly Delusion. Bartosz Sztybor and Masahiko Otsuka, who were involved with the original Edgerunners, are also part of the creative team.

Cyberpunk Expands Beyond the Games

The anime arrives as CD PROJEKT RED continues expanding the Cyberpunk franchise beyond Cyberpunk 2077. During the first quarter of 2026, the game joined Xbox Game Pass Premium and Ultimate, while the Cyberpunk Trading Card Game raised more than $28M USD on Kickstarter. The company reported PLN 191M (~$52M) in first-quarter revenue and PLN 106M (~$29M) in consolidated net earnings.

The broader slate also includes The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, which has surpassed 65M copies sold. CD PROJEKT is also developing Songs of the Past, a third expansion co-developed with Fool's Theory and scheduled to launch in 2027.

The new season expands Cyberpunk beyond the game, using a fresh cast and story to deepen Night City as a multimedia franchise.

The Recording Academy has confirmed that it is reviewing its new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category amid concerns raised by artists and music industry stakeholders. The development follows growing criticism of the category, which was introduced in June 2026 as one of five additions to the 69th Grammys.

BTS announced that it will not submit music for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards.

On July 29, 2026, Jin, V, Suga, RM, J-Hope, Jimin, and Jungkook posted identical statements announcing that they would not submit music for Grammy consideration. The decision also applies to their latest album, ARIRANG. The group stated that it hoped music could be “heard and loved for what it is,” instead of being separated based on region or language.

Grammys Reconsider Asian Pop Award

CEO of The Recording Academy, Harvey Mason Jr., initially defended the category after BTS' withdrawal, saying it was created to recognize the “depth, diversity, and extraordinary growth” of Asian pop rather than separate artists from the Grammys' main awards. He also pointed out that artists could pursue both genre and general field categories.

By Aug 14, however, Mason said discussions with stakeholders over the previous two weeks had prompted a review. “Some artists in this space feel that this category isn't representing the music they work so hard to create,” he said.

Academy leaders have also spoken with artists, labels, and managers from K-pop, C-pop, J-pop, and Indian music, including representatives from HYBE. The Academy has also brought its Board of Trustees and Awards & Nominations Committee into discussions surrounding the category.

Asian Pop Category Faces Eligibility Questions

The category applies to Asian pop recordings with significant use of at least one Asian language, including J-pop, K-pop, and C-pop. Eligibility is based on musical style rather than an artist's nationality or ethnicity.

However, entirely English-language recordings are excluded, although they can remain eligible elsewhere.

The controversy has also spilled over onto Gold Music Alliance volunteers, some of whom reportedly faced online threats from users who mistakenly believed they had created the category. Meanwhile, the Aug 21 submission deadline is approaching, followed by Grammy nominations on Nov 16 and the Feb 7, 2027, ceremony at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

The Academy has not said whether it will revise, rename, or remove the category. Its review now puts the question of how Asian music should be represented within the Grammys at the center of the dispute.

One Piece, Marvel, and KPop Demon Hunters will feature prominently at Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC) 2026 in Abu Dhabi, with Mackenyu, Pom Klementieff, and Arden Cho among the announced guests. John Cena, Joonas Suotamo, and Jacob Romero will also feature as part of the lineup for the Sep 11-13 event at ADNEC.

The convention will return for its 14th edition in 2026 after its original April dates were postponed because of regional conflict. Mackenyu and Romero will attend the event as the actors behind Roronoa Zoro and Usopp in Netflix's live-action One Piece, while Klementieff returns to the Marvel connection through her role as Mantis, and Cho joins as the voice of Rumi in KPop Demon Hunters.

Cena, a retired WWE star and actor, has previously appeared at San Diego Comic-Con in 2018 to promote Bumblebee. He retired from in-ring competition in 2025 after more than two decades with WWE and has continued his film career with credits including F9: The Fast Saga, The Suicide Squad, and Blockers, alongside Bumblebee.

Ayman Akaily, content manager at MEFCC, said the postponement gave organizers additional time to incorporate newer releases and adjust sessions around current fan interests. He also noted that audiences increasingly move between Hollywood, anime, gaming, and other fandoms rather than staying within one genre.

MEFCC 2026 Expands Beyond Celebrity Appearances

The celebrity lineup is part of a broader expansion for MEFCC. The 2025 edition drew more than 46K visitors, a 24% increase from 2022, according to the show director of the MEFCC, Loy Pinheiro.

Pinheiro told The National that MEFCC's growth is intended to preserve its community-driven identity, arguing that the event's expanding scale should complement rather than overshadow the fans who attend.

MEFCC now includes Artist Alley, TCG Arena, Otaku District, Bookworm Lounge, and Collector's Gallery, alongside short film and student art competitions. The Otaku District focuses on manga, anime, and Japanese pop culture through cosplay, quizzes, karaoke, live performances, and K-pop programming.

Meanwhile, the TCG Arena has also added organized competitions for Pokémon, the One Piece Card Game, and Magic: The Gathering. Artist Alley gives independent creators space to sell original work, self-published comics, and merchandise directly to visitors.

Local Creators Find a Platform at MEFCC

That creator focus has produced examples such as Yasser Alireza and Zaid Hamzeh, who appeared at Artist Alley before publishing Wayl, an original graphic novel from the UAE.

The convention's Short Film Competition is also growing, with 83 entries this year compared with 60 submissions for its inaugural edition last year. Nine finalists will have their films screened during the September 2026 event.

Tickets for MEFCC 2026 start at AED 160 (~$44 USD), with standard tickets currently offering a 20% discount for early purchases. VIP tickets are sold out. Children aged 6 and under can enter for free, while attendees aged 7 to 11 can purchase tickets at the door for AED 50 (~$14).

Ultimately, MEFCC 2026's mix of global franchises, anime, gaming, and local creators shows how Middle Eastern fandom is becoming a broader pop-culture ecosystem.

Sekiro: No Defeat, based on FromSoftware’s Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, has released a new character trailer and Rice Day visual for the Divine Child of Rejuvenation. The promotional material arrives ahead of the anime’s September 2026 theatrical debut in Japan. Risa Shimizu returns to voice the character from Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, while the latest promotion ties her rice-producing ability to Japan’s Aug 18 Rice Day.

The trailer depicts the Divine Child holding rice in both hands, with some scenes presenting the gesture as a prayer. The commemorative illustration shows the Divine Child holding rice in both hands, surrounded by a white visual effect, while highlighting her melancholic expression.

The anime’s official X account is also holding a giveaway for rice packaged with Divine Child artwork.

Sekiro: No Defeat Highlights its Hand-Drawn Animation and Voice Cast

The fully hand-drawn 2D production will screen across Japan for three weeks from the release day of Sep 4, 2026. Kenichi Kutsuna directs at Qzil.la, with Takuya Sato writing the screenplay, Takahiro Kishida designing the characters, and Shunsuke Fukui serving as assistant director.

Kaito Mogi is chief animation director, Takashi Mukouda handles action animation, and Yuji Kaneko serves as art director.

The remaining crew includes Azusa Sasaki on color design, Keisuke Nozawa on photography, Yasushi Nagura on sound direction, Yoshinori Murakami on editing, and Shuta Hasunuma on music. ARCH produces the film, with Qzil.la handling animation. Kaneko stated that the art direction makes deliberate use of “cinematic black” while retaining brushstrokes and the realism of painted artwork.

The story centers on Wolf and Kuro as Ashina faces the Interior Ministry, with Genichiro turning to forbidden powers to defend the region. The cast includes Daisuke Namikawa, Miyuki Sato, Jin Urayama, Kenjiro Tsuda, Akimitsu Takase, Takaya Hashi, Shizuka Ito, Tetsuo Kanao, and Risa Shimizu.

Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition Arrives on Switch 2

Elsewhere in FromSoftware’s lineup, Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition is scheduled for Nintendo Switch 2 on Aug 28, 2026. The edition includes the base game, Shadow of the Erdtree, new equipment, two starting classes, and additional armor and customization options for Torrent. Existing players on other platforms can access the added content through the Tarnished Pack DLC.

The Switch 2 release costs $79.99 USD, with both digital and physical versions planned. The physical edition uses a game key card rather than a cartridge. The port was originally planned for 2025 before being moved to 2026.

Elden Ring is already available on PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC, while a live-action film adaptation from A24 is in development, with Alex Garland directing.

Disclaimer: Sources used in the article have been machine-translated from Japanese.

KPop Demon Hunters is expanding beyond Netflix with a Criterion Collection release on Nov 3, 2026. The physical edition will be available with three purchase options. The three-disc 4K UHD + Blu-ray edition costs $39.96 USD, while the two-disc Blu-ray edition costs $31.96.

The two-disc DVD edition is priced at $23.96.

KPop Demon Hunters Criterion Edition Details

The 3-disc 4K+Blu-ray set includes a new 4K digital master approved by directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, along with Dolby Atmos audio and Dolby Vision HDR. It also includes the film as well as a full-length animatic introduced by the directors.

Additional material includes a new making-of documentary, video essays from Taylor Ramos and Tony Zhou of Every Frame a Painting, lyric videos, the trailer, descriptive audio, English subtitles for deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers, illustrated postcards, an essay by critic Karen Han, and new cover art by Ami Thompson.

Why is KPop Demon Hunters Getting a Physical Release?

Netflix has rarely put its films on physical media, although Criterion has previously released titles including The Irishman, Roma, and Marriage Story. The move places KPop Demon Hunters within Criterion's stated mission of being “dedicated to publishing important classic and contemporary films from around the world.”

Released in 2025, the 96-minute, PG action-adventure animation follows HUNTR/X members Rumi, Mira, and Zoey as they balance pop stardom with protecting fans from supernatural forces. Its soundtrack topped Billboard charts, Golden became the first K-pop song to win an Academy Award, and TIME named the film its 2025 Breakthrough of the Year.

The film surpassed Red Notice as Netflix's most-watched movie and also received a theatrical sing-along release. Box Office Mojo lists $24.3M domestically, $308,337 internationally, and $24,608,337 worldwide, from a $100M budget.

Netflix confirmed the sequel in March 2026, with Kang and Appelhans returning. The Criterion edition now bridges the first film's record-setting run with the franchise's next chapter.

Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War (TYBW) – The Calamity Episode 5 arrives on Aug 22, 2026, with the Japanese TV broadcast scheduled for 11 pm JST. The official streaming release follows at midnight JST on Aug 23, 2026.

Bleach TYBW Episode 5 Streaming Details

U.S. viewers can watch Episode 5 on Hulu, while international audiences can use Disney+.

In India, the listed options are JioHotstar and Anime Times. Japanese viewers have access to U-NEXT, d Anime Store, Netflix, DMM TV, Amazon Prime Video, and ABEMA, with Netflix also reported as carrying the series in the Philippines.

Spoiler Alert: Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War spoilers ahead.

What Does Episode 4 Set Up for Episode 5?

Episode 4, The Perfect Crimson, left major confrontations unresolved. Kenpachi Zaraki’s unnamed Bankai overwhelmed Gerard Valkyrie before The Miracle restored the Sternritter. However, Toshiro Hitsugaya, in his Adult Bankai form, and Byakuya Kuchiki continued their attacks on Gerard. Ichigo Kurosaki then entered his Horn of Salvation form and combined Getsuga Tensho with Gran Rey Cero, catching Yhwach off guard despite The Almighty.

Meanwhile, Hollows began invading Karakura Town through the rift opened by Yhwach, while Renji Abarai and Rukia Kuchiki headed toward Wahrwelt.

Gerard's apparent immortality remains central to the conflict. His Quincy Cross is tied to his power, and Tite Kubo confirmed through Klub Outside Q&A 475 that destroying it would defeat him. Gerard is also identified as the Heart of the Soul King, whereas Pernida represents the left arm and Jushiro Ukitake carries the right arm.

Ichigo's unique Shinigami, Quincy, human, and Hollow heritage previously enabled him to kill the Soul King after Yhwach wounded him, making Ichigo the strongest candidate in the provided analysis to threaten Gerard's core. The manga never depicts that matchup, however.

Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War is rated 9/10 on IMDb, with Tite Kubo credited as creator.

BTS brought in 140,000 fans to M&T Bank Stadium across August 10 and 11, setting an all-time two-day attendance record for the Baltimore venue, the latest stop on the North American leg of the group’s ARIRANG World Tour. 

The Baltimore performance followed a two-night show at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where the group drew 157,000 attendees throughout August 1 and 2. BTS will continue its US stadium itinerary with shows in Arlington, Texas, on August 15 and 16, before moving to Toronto, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

BTS Scores Record Favorability Among US Fans

The live performance figures align with growing recognition across the wider US music market. Second-quarter consumer survey data from Luminate indicates BTS awareness stands at 42% among American music consumers, nearing the group’s historical peak of 43% set in the third quarter of 2023.

The 42% figure sits 18 points above the 24% average awareness throughout all music artists, as tracked by Luminate. It is nearly four times the 11% average recorded across the 22 K-pop acts included in the organization’s survey. Recognition is mostly concentrated amongst younger listeners, reaching 59% within the 18 to 24 age bracket while surpassing the 50% threshold for the 18-to-34 cohort.

Favorability among consumers aware of the group hit 46%, the highest level logged since Luminate began monitoring the metric in 2021, when favorability was 34%. The metric topped 40% across every age bracket surveyed, led by 60% among respondents aged 13 to 17.

BTS’ ARIRANG Breaks K-pop’s Usual Sales Mold

BTS’ ARIRANG posted a massive 516,000 U.S. debut units, rivaling top Western pop acts. Driven by 208,000 vinyl copies (~40% of total sales), it set a single-week record since 1991 for any group, while also defying K-pop’s usual CD-heavy model.

On streaming platforms, ARIRANG recorded about 5.7 billion global on-demand streams in its first 16 weeks. Bolstered by catalog consumption, total streams for BTS hit 8.7B over the same period. The album returned to the top 10 of the Billboard 200 chart after the group appeared at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final halftime show, thus showcasing how the act has built a durable mainstream audience in the US beyond its core fanbase.

Ejae, the singing voice behind KPop Demon Hunters character Rumi, says she flubbed a high note during her BAFTA Film Awards performance in February after spotting an unsmiling Leonardo DiCaprio in the crowd. The singer opened up about the moment in an interview with The Times, published this week.

“The BAFTAs haunt me,” Ejae said. “I made mistakes. I cracked a little bit on the high notes.” She said the slip occurred just before she hit the demanding “born to be” line in Golden, the song that later won the Oscar and Grammy for best original song.

BAFTAs 2026 marked the first live international appearance by EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami as the voices behind the film’s fictional K-pop group HUNTR/X. The trio performed Golden at London’s Royal Festival Hall. KPop Demon Hunters, however, remained ineligible for BAFTA film awards.

KPop Demon Hunters’ EJAE on her BAFTA Film Awards Performance

EJAE said Leonardo DiCaprio was right in front of her during the performance, and “he was not smiling.” According to her, performing in front of an audience filled with celebrities was already nerve-wracking, and then she noticed DiCaprio. “That’s what put me off. He made me so nervous,” she added.

DiCaprio was at the BAFTAs for his film One Battle After Another, which won six awards that night, including best film. His presence in the front row, paired with a room of A-list attendees, appears to have compounded the pressure Ejae already felt walking into her first major televised performance of the season.

Despite her self-criticism, EJAE framed the event, especially the success of KPop Demon Hunters, as a significant moment of her life. “It’s still crazy to me. I was a nobody, and suddenly I'm a something,” she said to The Times.

EJAE’s admission offers a rare look at the pressure performers face during globally televised awards ceremonies, even as KPop Demon Hunters became one of the biggest entertainment success stories of 2025.

The difficult BAFTAs moment ultimately did little to slow the momentum behind Golden and KPop Demon Hunters. Following its London performance, the song continued its awards-season run with appearances at major ceremonies, including the Brit Awards, Grammys and the Golden Globes. Netflix has also announced a KPop Demon Hunters concert tour in May 2026.

The Pokémon Company released a new POKÉTOON short titled Kameil to Natsu no Tsuzuku (Wartortle and the Ongoing Summer) on its official YouTube channel on Aug 13, 2026. Industry veteran Shingo Yamashita, whose previous credits include Cosmic Princess Kaguya and Chainsaw Man directed the short.

Wartortle and the Ongoing Summer follows a boy named Rikuto. He encounters a Wartortle whose tail color and moss-covered shell diverge from its standard Pokedex appearance during his visit to his grandmother at the end of summer.

What We Know About Wartortle and the Ongoing Summer 

Rather than extending an existing TV storyline, the Wartortle short focuses on a self-contained narrative centered on Wartortle. The premise blends nostalgia and memory by showing Wartortle’s connection with Rikuto’s father instead of focusing on Pokémon battles. Aya Satsuki, known for Solo Camping for Two, wrote the script. 

Riiki Miura, who has worked in the One Piece franchise, designed the characters and served as chief animation director. Cosmic Princess Kaguya, famed Studio Chromato, and veteran animation house Studio Colorido animated Wartortle and the Ongoing Summer. 

The cast includes Sayaka Senbongi and Kana Hanazawa in the roles of Rikuto and Wartortle, respectively. Yamashita’s involvement is another strategic detail. He helmed Pokémon: Twilight Wings in 2020, along with a previous POKÉTOON Yume no Tsubom in  2021.

As of Aug 13, Wartortle and the Ongoing Summer is available only in Japanese, with no confirmed date for an English dub. The franchise's previous Pokémon Day special short, Pokémon: Dragonite and the Special Delivery, is now available in English, along with many other shorts.

Nvidia is working with BlackRock, Apollo, Blackstone, Brookfield, Goldman Sachs, and KKR to mobilize more than $500 billion USD in third-party capital for AI infrastructure. The plan aims to shift the financing of data centers and compute toward institutional investment.

The partnerships, announced Aug 10, 2026, are designed to create independent financing platforms for Nvidia customers, including startups, enterprises, AI labs, and cloud providers.

Nvidia Builds Case for AI Compute Investment

The initiative follows Nvidia's push to establish AI factories as an investable infrastructure asset. President and CEO of NVIDIA, Jensen Huang, stated that Nvidia compute can support different models, workloads, and customers, while CUDA software updates can extend the useful life of installed systems. Nvidia says the more than $500B is aggregate capital the platforms aim to mobilize over time, rather than Nvidia revenue, a single fund, or a commitment to one customer.

The financing partners will independently evaluate customer demand, cash flow, utilization, and residual value. Nvidia could provide residual-value support of up to 25% for individual opportunities.

The company argues this structure separates project underwriting from its own hardware business and creates what Huang described as an "open capital market for AI infrastructure."

Nvidia is also pointing to existing compute economics. H100 one-year rental prices increased from about $1.70 per GPU-hour in October 2025 to $2.35 in March 2026, while median cross-provider pricing reached $2.70 in June. Reported B200 rates range from $5.30 to $7.05 per GPU-hour. The A100, introduced in 2020, remains in commercial use six years later.

Wall Street Takes a Larger AI Position

BlackRock CEO, Larry Fink, pointed out that the infrastructure investment could support economic growth and jobs. The New York Times described the initiative as Wall Street seeking another half-trillion dollars to finance Nvidia customers and expand AI data centers, power capacity, and chip deployments.

Nvidia says the underlying demand comes from companies and governments using AI for software development, product design, drug discovery, customer service, and automation. The financing model therefore rests on those applications generating enough revenue and utilization to support the infrastructure being built.

Altogether, Nvidia is turning AI compute into a financial asset, making Wall Street confidence in AI demand crucial.