Kids’ meals are having a ‘Freaky Friday’ moment

This past March, McDonald’s finally gave KPop Demon Hunters the kids’-meal treatment it was practically begging for. The movie, an animated musical about a K-pop girl group, Huntr/X, and a charming demonic boy band, the Saja Boys, had become the most-watched film in Netflix history, captivating even skeptical parents who found themselves watching it dozens of times. Instead of a cheeseburger and apple slices, fans could choose the Saja Boys Breakfast Meal, with a spicy McMuffin, hash browns, and soda, or the Huntr/X Meal, with McNuggets, Ramyeon McShaker Fries, and purple Demon Sauce. Their selection corresponded to a vote in McDonald’s “Battle for the Fans.” The prize inside was a pack of collectible photocards and a QR code that would later unlock an exclusive video revealing the winner. (Huntr/X, thankfully.) Analysts estimated that KPop Demon Hunters Meals could bring in $100 million in their first few days. Some fans, though, were confused. “No KPDH Happy Meal toys???” one asked online. But McDonald’s had put it right there in the announcement: These were “dueling adult meals”—a promotion for grownups. (Honestly, the spicy McMuffin or the QR code should’ve been the tell.) In …

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