Christian metal band files massive lawsuit against Netflix over 'KPop Demon Hunters' name

Unless you've been marooned in space or hiding under a rock, we're sure you've heard of KPop Demon Hunters. Then again, even the astronauts aboard the International Space Station have likely heard of Netflix's award-winning animated movie.

If becoming the most-watched Netflix original film in the platform's history wasn't enough, Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans' movie went on to win Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song at both the 83rd Golden Globe Awards and the 98th Academy Awards.

Our ongoing obsession with K-Pop is already turning KPop Demon Hunters into a franchise with a sequel on the way, and while Netflix is sure to soar straight back to the top of the box office, a Christian metal band could be taking a hefty slice off the top.

According to The Wrap, the band known as Demon Hunter is suing the streaming giant amid allegations of trademark infringement and unfair competition.

In a filing obtained and viewed by the outlet, Demon Hunter and its Hyde Lane corporation maintain that Netflix and entertainment company AEG Presents are "jealously guard[ing] and enforc[ing] their own intellectual property rights," as well as "willfully disregarding the rights of others in pursuit of profits."

Demon Hinter reiterates that it is a well-known metal band that was formed by brothers Don Clark and Ryan Clark in 2000.

While Don Clark isn’t a current member, Ryan Clark remains lead vocalist and performs alongside four others.

The Demon Hunter filing adds: "Unfortunately, in 2025, Netflix and Netflix Studios—despite almost certainly being aware of Demon Hunter—chose to release a movie titled ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ … [which] reached unprecedented levels of success, not only as a film on Netflix’s streaming service, but also via the ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ movie soundtrack album and merchandise."

AEG comes into the frame as the band calls out the upcoming global concert tour that's due to hit 150 cities.

Since KPop Demon Hunters was released in June 2025, the defendants are accused of 'overlapping' with goods and services offered by Hyde Lane. It's said there's a "substantial likelihood of confusion (and, indeed, actual confusion has already resulted), leading consumers to believe the parties’ goods or services are affiliated, sponsored, or otherwise connected with one another.”

Demon Hunter is adamant that it's had to "bear the reputational and commercial consequences" of customers being diverted away from the band.

Arguing that Netflix and AEG have superior resources and reach, Demon Hunter claims Hyde Lane’s established identity has been overwhelmed as it's been "forced to surrender control over its commercial identity simply because Defendants have greater resources and a larger marketplace footprint."

Calling for a jury trial over trademark infringement and unfair competition, Demon Hunter says it has "been damaged in an amount not yet ascertainable." It's now seeking treble damages, exemplary damages, injunctive relief, Netflix’s profits, and attorney fees.

As you can imagine, Netflix and AEG aren't taking this one lying down.

Although a rep for AEG didn't immediately respond, a Netflix spokesperson told The Wrap: "These allegations are without merit. Netflix has created an Academy Award-winning global phenomenon with ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ that has inspired fans around the world with its powerful music, storytelling and characters. We look forward to vigorously defending this matter.”

It's not publicly disclosed exactly how much money Netflix has made off the back of KPop Demon Hunters, although the movie was mentioned in the same breath as announcing Q3 2025 revenue soaring to $11.5 billion.

We do know that KPop Demon Hunters was produced for an estimated budget of $100 million, with a 2021 pre-buy agreement meaning Netflix paid $125 million upfront for the budget and a 25% premium.

This means Netflix has complete control of all future films and merchandising rights, and could be about to earn a lot more from the KPop Demon Hunters name.