Zendaya & Lupita Nyong’o Fan-Girl Over One of Netflix's Greatest Hits During 'The Odyssey' Press

Published 07/18/2026, 11:45 PM EDT

Credits: Netflix

Zendaya and Lupita Nyong’o ditched epic drama for pure fan energy as The Odyssey stars could not stop gushing over KPop Demon Hunters. The Odyssey already has one of the most exciting female lineups of the year, with Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, and Charlize Theron bringing star power, range, and serious presence to Christopher Nolan’s epic. But the real surprise is that the Greek heroines bonded over something completely different.

Despite Nolan having brought one of the most complicated literary worlds to life, the leading actresses of his movie felt more at home discussing a Netflix trailblazer. 

When The Odyssey press turned into a fan moment

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Zendaya and Lupita Nyong’o turned The Odyssey press into a surprisingly fun pop culture detour when they appeared on Video Club, where both admitted they had been late to Netflix’s animated hit KPop Demon Hunters. Lupita laughed.

“I kinda slept on this train,” while Zendaya reacted, “Oh girl!” making the exchange feel more like a casual catch-up than a polished interview.

Credit: Universal Pictures

What stood out most was how relatable the moment felt. Lupita explained that the overwhelming buzz initially pushed her away.

“It was too much everyone was talking about it,” she said at the Video Club, describing how she held off before eventually giving in. Once she finally watched it, the appeal became clear. That kind of delayed discovery is part of why KPop Demon Hunters has grown into a standout streaming success, fueled by persistent recommendations and strong word of mouth. Zendaya added her own perspective, revealing how the film reached her through family.

“My little niece called me and she was like ‘Get on it aunty,’” she said, highlighting how the movie spread across generations. The mix of music, visual style, and fast-paced storytelling clearly resonated, and hearing two major actors openly geek out about it gave the moment an extra layer of charm. 

Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ Set to Outpace ‘Michael’ With a $120 Million Opening

That shared excitement also reflects just how far KPop Demon Hunters has traveled beyond its original release window.

The sequel era is already taking shape

The Odyssey may be commanding attention for its scale and ensemble cast, but KPop Demon Hunters is building momentum of its own. The animated hit is officially moving into a sequel phase, with the original creative team returning and the core voice cast expected to reprise their roles as Netflix expands one of its most successful animated properties.

Credits: Netflix

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The sequel follows the first film’s rise as a global phenomenon. It attracted strong viewership, built a dedicated fan base, and turned its music into a cultural talking point. That widespread reach helped elevate HUNTR/X from fictional performers into a breakout presence, which makes the continuation feel like a natural progression rather than an unexpected extension. Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans are set to return, ensuring that the tone and identity established in the original remain intact.

Another key factor is the expected return of the original cast, which preserves the chemistry that connected so strongly with audiences. The next chapter is being positioned as an expansion of the story’s universe, offering space to explore new arcs while building on the elements that made the first film stand out.

‘Kpop Demon Hunters’ Sequel: Netflix Has Arden Cho Banging Doors for a Return, Amidst Insane Uprise

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What do you think about Zendaya and Lupita Nyong’o fangirling over KPop Demon Hunters? Let us know in the comments.

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Pratham Gurung

420 articles

If films shape personalities, Pratham was practically raised in a dark theater, pulling off twenty-four-hour movie marathons and falling into hour-long YouTube video essays at 3 a.m., his fascination with cinema never really having an off switch.

Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui

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