KPop Demon Hunters Merchandise Delayed Until January 2026

Enthusiasts of Netflix's animated sensation, KPop Demon Hunters, will need to exercise patience as official merchandise will only be available come January 2026, leaving the pivotal holiday shopping season unfulfilled.

Creators behind the toys, including Mattel, Hasbro, and Funko, have revealed that, although pre-orders are on the horizon, the items will not be shipped until after the holidays. As a result, countless fans will miss out on gifts during the peak shopping period.

Understanding the Delay

Sources within the industry suggest that leading toy manufacturers were hesitant to finalize licensing agreements prior to the film's release in June, failing to grasp the compelling appeal it would have to fans of K-pop, anime, and more. The average timeline for toy companies to secure licenses, develop products, and prepare for sales spans about 12 to 18 months, making this holiday miss a critical financial setback, as sales from this period represent a significant portion of yearly revenue.

Ynon Kreiz, CEO of Mattel, noted the necessity for time in producing high-quality items but assured stakeholders that efforts to expedite manufacturing will be undertaken to satisfy fan demand.

A Growing Merchandise Avenue for Netflix

KPop Demon Hunters has soared to become Netflix’s top animated film, clinching the number one spot on streaming platforms come July. The accompanying track “Golden” reached first place on the Billboard Hot 100, while a sing-along version played in over 1,300 theaters across the U.S. and the UK.

This triumph underscores Netflix's strategy of monetizing hit content through merchandise, a successful model developed by firms like Disney and Warner Bros.

This marks Netflix's second major foray into toy licensing following partnerships like the Squishmallows line for Stranger Things and a Lego collaboration for One Piece.

Perspectives on Holiday Toy Market Trends

Expected toy sales across the U.S. this season are projected to hit $8.8 billion, an increase from the previous year, despite challenges from rising costs and import tariffs. Highly anticipated toys include those associated with Jurassic World: Rebirth and Transformers 8: Rise of Unicorn.

For lovers of KPop Demon Hunters, Funko Pops are expected to ship by January 30, Mattel is introducing three dolls, while Hasbro’s Monopoly card game will be distributed starting January 1. Although this delays sales during the holiday period, there's hope for substantial interest in the weeks following.