Bad Bunny Unleashes HUNTR/X in a Dynamic ‘SNL’ Sketch
On the night of October 4th, during the premiere of “Saturday Night Live” season 51, Bad Bunny introduced a special performance by the animated trio HUNTR/X, known for the Netflix hit ‘KPop Demon Hunters’. This marked a unique blend of animation and live performance, narratively integrated into the show by Bad Bunny’s character, Thomas, a fervent advocate of the series.
The sketch titled “KPop Demon Hunters” featured Bad Bunny ardently explaining to his brunch companions why the movie is suited not just for kids but for “smart adults.” He emphasized, “In KPop Demon Hunters, songs are not just songs. They are weapons,” to ward off demons which humorously escalates when a demon, played by SNL’s Bowen Yang, enters the scene.
The demon, intending to wreak havoc, is swiftly confronted by the captivating notes of “Golden”, HUNTR/X’s top charting single. This appearance in the sketch constituted the trio’s initial live interaction on television, where their song served as a literal and metaphorical weapon against the on-screen demon.
The fictional yet commendably portrayed HUNTR/X then saved the day with their hit, which not only has topped the Billboard Hot 100 for seven consecutive weeks but also signaled a new era of integrating animated musical features into live performances. This particular sketch heralded their upcoming live performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on October 7, further exciting their fanbase.
The impact of “KPop Demon Hunters” has been robust since its Netflix debut, with its original soundtrack achieving significant milestones similar to the 2022 sensation, Encanto. Hits like “Golden”, “How It’s Done”, “What It Sounds Like”, and “Takedown” have dominated the charts, underscoring the global appeal of the unique blend of KPop and animated storytelling.