‘D-War’ Rockets Back on Netflix After 19 Years

As of August 20, 2026, director Shim Hyung-rae's 2007 monster movie 'D-War' is having an unlikely second act, climbing movie charts worldwide 19 years after its release thanks to a new Netflix run. Riding that wave, Shim recently revealed a video-game version of the sequel, 'D-War 2,' along with an update on when fans can expect it.

19 yearsTime between D-War's release and its Netflix resurgence

20 countriesCountries where D-War hit Netflix's movie top 10

30 billion won (~$22M)Production budget for the original D-War

Key points

'D-War' began streaming on Netflix in early August and has since re-entered the top movie rankings in multiple countries, riding a wave of renewed popularity.
It climbed as high as No. 2 in parts of Europe, including Germany, France, and Italy, and landed on Netflix's daily top 10 movie list in 20 countries.
On August 18, Shim announced via his YouTube channel that the sequel would arrive in two years; a day later, he added that a video-game version is also coming.
In an interview published August 14, he said the script and financing were nearly finalized while casting was still underway.

"D-War," a sci-fi fantasy film built around Korea's imugi legend — giant serpents that must fulfill certain conditions to become full dragons — restaged that battle in an American setting, and it's now enjoying an unexpected second wind after landing on Netflix earlier this month. At its 2007 release, critics and audiences split sharply over its production quality and CG work, and domestic ticket sales are recorded anywhere from 7.8 million to 8.4 million admissions depending on the source. The film reportedly cost around 30 billion won (about $22 million) to make.

Since its Netflix re-release, "D-War" has climbed as high as No. 6 globally on film-ranking trackers and entered the top 10 in 20 countries, hitting No. 2 in Germany, France, and Italy. Harsh reviews of its production quality persist, but plenty of overseas viewers say they're enjoying it on its own terms as a sci-fi romp, unburdened by the baggage of its original release.

The film's closing-credits use of "Arirang," Korea's best-known folk song, is getting renewed attention too. Back in 2007, it drew criticism as a nationalistic marketing gimmick. Shim has recently pointed to a different reception now, drawing a comparison to the cheers BTS gets performing Arirang on overseas stages, as evidence that attitudes toward the song abroad have shifted.

Sequel news is moving fast, if a little inconsistently. In an August 18 video, Shim said the follow-up would arrive in two years; a day later, he said production had wrapped and a game version was also on the way, adding that global distribution would be handled by a major overseas distributor rather than the domestic distributors that typically handle his films. That timeline sits awkwardly next to an August 14 interview, in which he said the script and financing were essentially locked but casting was still ongoing, with a production announcement planned before year's end and filming targeted to start early next year. Under that plan, about 80% of shooting would take place in the U.S., with the rest split among Korea, Europe, and China — and Hollywood actor Jack Black is reportedly the top choice for a lead role.

In Korea right nowIn Korea, some are reassessing the film's resurgence as proof the movie has genuine appeal beyond any nationalistic marketing push, while others find it curious that such a major sequel has been quietly moving forward with so little promotion. The fact that the overseas distributor hasn't been named yet is also fueling speculation in online communities.

FAQ

What is "D-War" about?

It's a 2007 sci-fi fantasy film that reimagines Korea's imugi (giant serpent) legend as a battle over a mystical orb, staged in an American setting.

Why is it trending again now?

It started streaming on Netflix 19 years after its original release and has unexpectedly climbed the movie charts in numerous countries since.

When will "D-War 2" be released?

Director Shim Hyung-rae has pointed to a two-year timeline, but details on casting and filming have varied across his recent statements, so the schedule still appears to be in flux.