Netflix has inked a new partnership with the directors behind its most-streamed movie of all time, KPop Demon Hunters.

Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans have entered into a multi-year deal to write and direct animated projects exclusively for the streamer—and the first one to come out of it will be KPop Demon Hunters 2, which is now officially greenlit.

The sequel’s confirmation is not a surprise—it has been heavily teased in the trades since last year, with the first report of a closed deal between Netflix and Sony coming from Bloomberg back in November. 

But the timing of the streamer’s announcement seems strategic, with KPDH the far-and-away favorite to win in two categories at this weekend’s Academy Awards (Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song). The film has racked up more than 500 million views on Netflix since launching in June, making it the platform’s biggest film of all time by a long shot.

While initial reports suggested that the sequel would aim for a 2029 launch, don’t get too attached to that date. Speaking to THR last month, Sony Pictures Animation bosses Kristine Belson and Damien de Froberville hinted that production may take even longer. It’ll be interesting to see whether Netflix adopts a theatrical-first strategy for KPDH 2—or what other opportunities it opens up for its co-directors.

“I feel immense pride as a Korean filmmaker that the audience wants more from this Korean story and our Korean characters,” Kang said. “There’s so much more to this world we have built, and I’m excited to show you. This is only the beginning.”

“These characters are like family to us; their world has become our second home,” Appelhans added. “We’re excited to write their next chapter, challenge them, and watch them evolve—and continue pushing the boundaries of how music, animation and story can come together.”