As the release of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle approaches, projections indicate a potential record-breaking opening for anime films in the U.S.
‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle’ Opening Projections
This September is gearing up for another weekend that’s likely to exceed expectations at the box office, led by Crunchyroll/Sony Pictures’ Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle. This film is projected to surpass Warner Bros’ 1999 Pokemon: The First Movie ($31M) as the highest opening ever for an anime film in the U.S.
Box Office Projections
Tracking and distribution sources are presenting varied projections. Sony forecasts $35M across 3,300 theaters, boosted by IMAX and PLF showtimes. As of mid-August, advance ticket sales were reported at $10M, setting a record for an anime movie. Currently, that figure is believed to be over $15M. Other sources suggest that Infinity Castle could open between $45M-$60M over the Friday to Sunday period, with previews starting Thursday at 4 PM in 2,800 theaters.
Understanding the Audience
Some analysts are tempering their expectations, noting that anime moviegoers are highly dedicated, purchasing tickets in advance and attending early. There is minimal walk-up business for these films, and most tickets are already sold. Unlike movies such as Sinners or Minecraft, which see audience expansion on Saturday nights, advance ticket sales for Infinity Castle are already extending into the next weekend. The film is particularly appealing to both men and women under 25.
What Makes ‘Infinity Castle’ Special?
Infinity Castle is the first in a trilogy, focusing on the Demon Slayer Corps as they confront terrifying Upper Rank demons within the Infinity Castle, culminating in a final battle against Muzan Kibutsuji. According to Box Office Mojo, the offshore gross for Infinity Castle, primarily from Japan, is approximately $213M, bringing the total close to $273M.
Weekend Outlook
This weekend marks the release of six major films, expected to yield the best mid-September box office since the Covid pandemic, potentially surpassing last year’s total of $93.7M, with estimates around $114M for this weekend.
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Other Releases
Among the competition, New Line’s The Conjuring: Last Rites is projected to drop around 65% in its second weekend, earning approximately $29.1M. Meanwhile, Focus Features’ Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is targeting women over 55, with expectations of $15M-$20M from 3,692 sites.
Lionsgate’s adaptation of Stephen King’s The Long Walk is anticipated to earn over $10M, while Bleecker Street’s sequel to This Is Spinal Tap is looking at low-to-mid single digits at 1,919 theaters.
Disney is re-releasing Toy Story for its 30th anniversary at 1,300 theaters, while Fathom Entertainment has booked The Sound of Music for its 60th anniversary at 1,206 theaters.
