September is proving to be a surprising month at the box office, with a remarkable array of new releases capturing audience attention this weekend. Leading the charge is the record-breaking U.S. debut of the Japanese anime sequel, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – the Movie Infinity Castle. Distributed by Crunchyroll, which is owned by Sony, this film has already made waves with a staggering Friday revenue of $33 million, which includes $11.4 million generated during preview screenings.
The initial projections for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle anticipated an opening weekend gross of between $35 million and $40 million. However, as the weekend progressed, predictions were adjusted upward, with some suggesting a total closer to $50 million. Ultimately, this highly anticipated film is now expected to achieve the highest opening ever for an anime film in the North American market, with estimates ranging from $56 million to $65 million. Sony has opted for a conservative estimate, sticking with the lower figure.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle marks the beginning of a three-part cinematic trilogy that depicts the ultimate battle within the acclaimed anime series, produced by the renowned animation studio Ufotable. The film has not only captivated audiences in the United States but has also smashed records in Japan since its debut in July, amassing a global total of nearly $280 million to date.
Directed by Haruo Sotozaki, Infinity Castle adapts the final arc of Koyoharu Gotouge's bestselling manga series. The film features returning voice cast members, including Natsuki Hanae as Tanjiro, Akari Kitō as Nezuko, Hiro Shimono as Zenitsu, and Yoshitsugu Matsuoka as Inosuke. Together, they portray the Demon Slayer Corps in a climactic offensive against the formidable demon king, Muzan Kibutsuji.
The film's production was co-financed by Aniplex, a subsidiary of the Sony Group, with international distribution managed by Toho, Aniplex, and Crunchyroll. Notably, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle is set to be showcased in IMAX theaters across over 40 territories worldwide. It has already achieved historic results in IMAX theaters in Japan, as well as impressive numbers in North America.
In a competitive box office landscape, Warner Bros. and New Line's horror film The Conjuring: Last Rites is projected to secure the second spot in its second weekend, vying for the same younger audience demographic as Demon Slayer. Estimates indicate that this film will earn between $26 million and $27 million.
Meanwhile, the final cinematic adaptation of the beloved British series, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, is expected to debut in third place with earnings of $19 million or more. This film is also enjoying positive reviews from both critics and audiences.
Lionsgate's dystopian thriller, The Long Walk, based on a novel by Stephen King, is opening in fourth place with projected earnings of $11 million to $12 million, receiving a B+ CinemaScore—a typical rating for its genre. In contrast, both Demon Slayer and The Grand Finale received an impressive A CinemaScore.
In a nostalgic nod to animation history, Disney is re-releasing Toy Story this weekend to celebrate its 30th anniversary. This beloved classic is anticipated to round out the top five with a robust box office performance, estimating between $3.2 million and $3.8 million.
As September unfolds, the box office continues to thrive with a diverse lineup of films, and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle stands out as a significant highlight, setting records and captivating audiences across North America.
