Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Shatters Anime Movie Preview Records with $11.4M
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle has exploded onto the scene, earning a staggering $11.4 million in Thursday night previews. This record-breaking performance firmly establishes the film as the biggest anime movie preview of all time, surpassing the previous record holder, 2022's Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, which earned $4.3 million.
Box Office Projections and Comparisons
The impressive preview numbers for Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle are generating significant buzz within the industry. Early projections estimate the film's opening weekend could range between $45 million and $60 million, far exceeding Sony's initial forecast of $35 million. The film's Thursday night haul even rivals that of blockbuster hits like Five Nights at Freddy's ($10.3M) and approaches Oppenheimer's $10.5M.
Comparatively, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero went on to earn $10.9M on its opening Friday and a $21.1M opening weekend. The current anime movie opening record belongs to Warner Bros' 1999 Pokemon movie which debuted to $31M.
Critic and Audience Reception
The film's success isn't solely driven by fan anticipation; Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle has garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, critics have given the movie a 96% fresh rating based on 27 reviews, while the audience score stands at an impressive 99%. Critics particularly praise the film's stunning animation and exhilarating action sequences.
Review Highlights: Demon Slayer - Infinity Castle First Reviews
Critics agree that Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle sets the stage for a compelling series finale with visually captivating animation and top-tier action. Here are snippets from initial reviews.
Working alongside animation director Akira Matsushima, longtime Demon Slayer director Haruo Sotozaki has elevated his already stunning series to new cinematic heights...Infinity Castle effectively sets the tone for what’s to come, promising diehard fans the spectacle they’ve been craving which newcomers will also find enjoyable, if somewhat confusing at times.
— David Opie, IndieWire
This latest smash hit… is a spectacular treat... The challenge of sustaining the narrative is tempered by the use of flashbacks, providing a backstory for each of the formidable foes... This wonderful instalment gives a splendid taste of what is surely soon to come.
— Phuong Le, Guardian
The anime movie is less concerned with cliffhangers and, instead, fixated on continuation... Infinity Castle emerges from the other side unscathed, all while showcasing the best-in-class action, a gripping story, and entertaining characters that have made it such a worldwide sensation.
— Bradley Russell, GamesRadar+
Other Box Office Contenders
While Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle is dominating headlines, other films are also making their mark at the box office. New Line's Conjuring: Last Rites is projected to earn another $29 million in its second week, potentially becoming the highest-grossing Conjuring film ever. Focus Features’ Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, and Lionsgate’s The Long Walk are expected to make $15M-$20M and $10M respectively.
Downton Abbey 3 is currently showing positive reviews in the trilogy with 88% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, and a near high best audience score of 96% just behind New Era’s 97%.