KPop Demon Hunters Toys Delayed Until Next Year: What This Means for Holiday Shoppers

Fans eagerly anticipating KPop Demon Hunters toys from major toymakers Mattel and Hasbro will face disappointment this holiday season. The toys, linked to the popular Netflix animated film, are unlikely to ship until January 2024, missing a critical sales opportunity.
KPop Demon Hunters Merchandising Delay: What It Means for Holiday Shoppers
Mattel and Hasbro have licensing agreements with Netflix for the KPop Demon Hunters franchise, which features toys, collectibles, and games. However, due to timing issues, these items will not be available until after the holidays.
Reasons for the Delay
- Unexpected Popularity: The film’s release in June exceeded expectations, attracting a diverse audience of K-pop and anime fans.
- Production Timeline: Major toymakers typically require 12 to 18 months to develop and ship products. This timing hampered the ability to meet holiday demand.
- Retailer Caution: Retailers have responded to rising costs and tariffs by reducing order quantities, complicating the supply chain further.
Netflix’s earlier hesitation in finalizing licensing deals contributed to missing the peak shopping season. According to industry analysis, the holiday season accounts for nearly one-third of annual toy sales.
Market Updates and Opportunities
Despite the delay, merchandise from KPop Demon Hunters is expected to be a significant draw. The animated film became Netflix’s most-watched in its genre by early July, and its soundtrack achieved notable chart success.
For the holiday season, U.S. consumers are expected to spend around $8.8 billion on toys, a significant increase from previous years. However, expected shortages could limit availability in the market.
Future Products and Partnerships
The product line for KPop Demon Hunters includes:
- Three-doll packs by Mattel
- A Monopoly card game by Hasbro available January 1
- Funko Pops inspired by film characters, to ship by January 30
The toy industry anticipates that popular franchises like Jurassic World and Transformers will also be top sellers this season. The KPop Demon Hunters line, while delayed, adds to the growing trend of merchandise extending a film’s reach into consumer products.
Conclusion
As holiday shoppers search for unique gifts, the absence of KPop Demon Hunters toys will be noticeable. While this may affect short-term sales for Mattel and Hasbro, it highlights the increasing importance of timely product launches in entertainment movements.