Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Shatters Global Box Office Records, Cementing Anime’s Mainstream Power
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Shatters Global Box Office Records, Cementing Anime’s Mainstream Power
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle has become an undeniable box office phenomenon, storming past $555 million worldwide to become the highest-grossing Japanese film and top-earning anime feature ever released. In a stunning display of anime’s growing mainstream appeal, the film also captivated North American audiences, raking in $104 million in just two weekends – a record for a Japanese title in the U.S. theatrical market.
Crunchyroll CEO Rahul Purini emphasized the film’s significance, stating, “It’s now undeniable how big anime has become.” Speaking after Infinity Castle’s record-smashing North American opening, Purini highlighted that while Crunchyroll’s internal data has long shown anime’s broad, diverse, and multigenerational appeal, the box office success provides irrefutable evidence to the wider entertainment industry. He noted the film’s surprising initial surge, hitting $70 million in its first three days, and its sustained performance in markets like Southeast Asia.
The success is also a testament to Sony’s strategic vision. Since acquiring Crunchyroll in 2020, the conglomerate has transformed anime into a core strategic pillar. The collaboration between Sony Pictures, Aniplex, and Crunchyroll proved instrumental, leveraging Sony Pictures’ global distribution expertise with Crunchyroll’s deep ties to the anime fandom. Purini confirmed that while dates for the next two films in the announced trilogy are not yet set, there is a clear “urgency” to bring more Demon Slayer content to fans, with expectations for continued high quality and spectacle.
Beyond the box office, Infinity Castle’s triumph is expected to create a significant halo effect for Crunchyroll’s broader ecosystem, boosting its streaming service, merchandise, games, and music ventures. The film’s critical and commercial success also positions it for a potential awards campaign, with Crunchyroll planning to support its consideration for categories like Best Animated Feature at the Oscars.
Disclaimer: This content is aggregated from public sources online. Please verify information independently. If you believe your rights have been infringed, contact us for removal.