In a stunning turn of events at the box office this September, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – the Movie Infinity Castle, distributed by Sony-owned Crunchyroll, has made history with a record-breaking U.S. opening. Following an impressive Friday haul of $33 million, which includes $11.4 million from previews, the film is projected to secure the highest opening ever for an anime title in North America, with estimates for the weekend ranging from $56 million to $65 million. Sony has opted to maintain a conservative estimate of $56 million for now.
Prior to this weekend, tracking data suggested an opening range between $35 million and $40 million, with some industry insiders speculating potential figures closer to $50 million. However, the film’s positive reception from both critics and audiences indicates even stronger performance.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle marks the commencement of a three-part cinematic trilogy based on the final battles of the acclaimed anime series created by Koyoharu Gotouge. The movie first debuted in Japan in July, where it shattered local box office records and has since amassed nearly $280 million globally.
Helmed by director Haruo Sotozaki, Infinity Castle adapts the final storyline of Gotouge’s best-selling manga series. The film features returning voice talent Natsuki Hanae (Tanjiro), Akari Kitō (Nezuko), Hiro Shimono (Zenitsu), and Yoshitsugu Matsuoka (Inosuke), as the Demon Slayer Corps ventures into a high-stakes confrontation against the demon king, Muzan Kibutsuji. The film was co-financed by Aniplex, a subsidiary of the Sony Group, with international distribution facilitated by Toho, Aniplex, and Crunchyroll. Notably, IMAX screenings are prepared for over 40 territories worldwide.
Acclaim for Infinity Castle has also translated into record-breaking IMAX results in Japan, as well as on IMAX screens across North America.
In a competitive box office landscape, Warner Bros. and New Line’s The Conjuring: Last Rites is projected to experience a drop to second place in its second week, contending with Demon Slayer for a younger demographic. Estimates predict its earnings to fall between $26 million and $27 million.
Meanwhile, the final cinematic installment of the beloved television series Downton Abbey is expected to secure third place with an opening weekend gross of approximately $19 million or more. The film, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, has garnered favorable reviews.
Lionsgate’s adaptation of the dystopian Stephen King novel, The Long Walk, is anticipated to open in fourth place with an estimated $11 million to $12 million. Both Demon Slayer and Grand Finale received commendable A ratings from CinemaScore, while The Long Walk received a B+.
This weekend also sees Disney’s re-release of the animated classic Toy Story in celebration of its 30th anniversary, likely rounding out the top five with earnings between $3.2 million and $3.8 million.
Lastly, Rob Reiner’s sequel Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, is projected to debut within the ninth or tenth slot, with earnings estimated between $1.7 million and $2 million, receiving an A- CinemaScore.
Based on reporting by Hollywood Reporter. Read the full story at Hollywood Reporter.