“Demon Slayer” dominates Box Office, Signals Anime’s Rising Power in Hollywood
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Anime continues to assert its influence on the global film industry, as “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle” achieved a stunning box office debut this weekend. The film outperformed established Hollywood franchises,marking the biggest anime opening in history and a significant win for Sony Pictures and Crunchyroll.
According to studio estimates, “Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle” grossed $70 million in ticket sales across the U.S.and Canada, exceeding pre-release expectations. This figure not only secures the top spot domestically but also establishes the highest-grossing animated film debut of the year to date. Globally, the film’s opening weekend totaled $132.1 million, encompassing 49 international markets.
A Global Phenomenon
The success builds on the already remarkable performance of the “Demon Slayer” franchise. Prior to this weekend, the series had already generated over $272 million in worldwide box office revenue, with a significant $213 million originating from Japan alone, as reported by Box Office Mojo. The previous installment, “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train,” proved to be a major hit in 2020, foreshadowing the current film’s success.
“Demon Slayer’s” performance is particularly encouraging for theater owners, as other genres-including superheroes, comedies, and original animation-have faced challenges in attracting audiences. One analyst noted that the film’s success is “the latest evidence of anime’s growing global clout.”
A Trilogy in the Making
“Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle” is the first part of a planned trilogy,promising a continuation of the epic battle between the Demon Slayer Corps and the monstrous creatures they are sworn to defeat. The franchise’s popularity stems from its compelling narrative and visually stunning animation.
Hollywood Competition Falls behind
While “Demon Slayer” soared, other new releases experienced more modest results. “Downton Abbey:
