Christian Metal Band, Demon Hunter, Sues Over KPop Demon Hunters
Who will win in the Demon Hunter versus KPop Demon Hunters showdown?
A Christian metal band known as Demon Hunter has sued Netflix over the streamer’s mega-hit movie KPop Demon Hunters. The point of contention? The film’s name, which the band said in its lawsuit had caused “substantial confusion” among fans of both properties.
According to the BBC, Demon Hunter has been around for the past 25 years, releasing music and touring, and according to the group’s website, the band is currently on its “Storm the Gates of Hell 20th Anniversary Tour.” The Seattle-based Christian metal group has amassed 350k monthly Spotify listeners over the course of its career, released its 12th album in the fourth quarter of 2025, and even has a graphic novel set in a dystopian tech future available.
The complaint has alleged that because Netflix has planned for a KPop Demon Hunters-related global tour and Demon Hunter is also related to touring and music, there is overlap between the two properties. The trademark lawsuit asked the court to prevent Netflix from using the film’s name for live shows, recorded music, and merchandise. Additionally, it requested unspecified damages.
The complaint read, in part, per the BBC, “The brand that Hyde Lane has carefully built over the course of the past quarter century now faces an existential crisis, thereby necessitating the filing of this action and the granting of the requested relief from this Court.”
Demon Hunters Versus Demon Hunter
KPop Demon Hunters may have started as just another streaming title on Netflix, but it wasn’t long before it seemingly took over the world, and for a while, the film popped up absolutely everywhere. (Netflix even released official character-related Halloween costumes in 2025.)
The animated feature about a group of K-pop idols who also hunt demons became the most-watched original Netflix title ever. It also garnered major awards, including a Grammy, Golden Globes, and an Academy Award. On the back of that success, Netflix built an empire that has included merchandise, music releases, a sequel (in the works), and the aforementioned tour. Allegedly, the streaming giant has also considered a stage version of the film, as well as a potential television series, all because the film really was that good.
Netflix registered a trademark for “KPop Demon Hunters” for merchandising purposes and still has some applications pending. However, the metal band Demon Hunter registered a trademark for its name in 2022 for merchandise and recorded music. It also applied for a trademark for live music.
Confusion Among Fans, Social Media, and More
Demon Hunter’s lawsuit listed several examples of the confusion the group has had to deal with thanks to the similar names between the two properties.
One instance involved a parent spending $500 on tickets to one of the group’s shows, in the belief it was a child-friendly KPop Demon Hunters show. Online posts discussing the movie often mistakenly tag the metal band. Additionally, Demon Hunters was once contacted by a television producer who thought the band had something to do with the film.
While the confusion between the band and the film appears to have caused at least a few issues, it remains to be seen whether it’s enough for this lawsuit to succeed.
Have a tip we should know? [email protected]
Follow The Mary Sue:
