Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Rewrites Box Office Records Worldwide

Los Angeles, CA — The latest installment in the beloved anime franchise, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle, has shattered box office records around the globe, grossing over $555 million worldwide. Released in North America over two weekends, the film has exceeded expectations with a stunning $104 million, marking the highest earnings for a Japanese film in U.S. history.

Based on Koyoharu Gotouge‘s popular manga, Demon Slayer tells the story of Tanjiro Kamado, who becomes a demon slayer after his family is brutally murdered and his sister Nezuko is transformed into a demon. The film features captivating animation by Tokyo’s Ufotable and balances themes of family, heroism, and dark fantasy.

Infinity Castle follows the record-breaking success of its predecessor, Mugen Train, which earned over $500 million globally. Codirector Ravi Ahuja of Sony Pictures remarked, “The incredible results of this film show the growing global appeal of anime. It wasn’t just dedicated fans who came out to theaters, but a wide range of moviegoers.”

The collaboration between Sony, Aniplex, and Crunchyroll was crucial to Infinity Castle’s success. The deep ties with anime fandom, along with innovative marketing strategies, helped drive ticket sales. Crunchyroll president Rahul Purini stated that the surge in audience interest demonstrates that anime fandom is no longer a niche market but a mainstream phenomenon.

Moreover, Purini noted that the demographic of anime viewers is diverse, including age groups from Gen Z to parents bringing their children to see the film. “We’re cultivating relationships through platforms like TikTok, Reddit, and Discord, and engaging celebrity fans,” he explained.

The first of a planned trilogy, the urgency to release subsequent films is palpable among fans. While release dates for the next installments haven’t been finalized, Purini emphasized the importance of delivering more content swiftly to meet demand.

As Infinity Castle continues to break records, the implications for Crunchyroll’s streaming service and merchandising are significant. “This theatrical success creates momentum for other aspects of our business,” Purini said, hinting at future promotions that could entice new fans to the franchise.

The film’s acclaim has also stirred conversations about award nominations, with discussions already in place regarding its candidacy for best animated feature at the Oscars. Purini stated, “We believe the film deserves consideration in all eligible categories.”