A record-breaking opening weekend seems imminent as industry forecasts soar past official studio projections.
The latest installment in the global anime phenomenon, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle Part I, is on track to make cinematic history in the North American market. The film is widely expected to shatter the record for the highest opening weekend box office for an anime film, with projections indicating a monumental debut.
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Is a New Record Assured? Astonishing Box Office Forecasts
As of Wednesday, September 10, distributor Sony Pictures (via Crunchyroll) is officially projecting a $35 million opening weekend for the film. This figure alone would be enough to dethrone the long-standing record holder, Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back, which opened to $31 million in 1999, making Infinity Castle Part I the highest-grossing opening for a Japanese anime film in North American history.
However, a strong sentiment within the industry suggests that the official forecast is conservative. Many box office analysts and insiders are predicting a much stronger performance, with some bullish forecasts ranging from $45 million to an astounding $60 million or more. Such a result would not only set a new benchmark for anime but would also signify a major blockbuster opening by any standard.
Record Advance Ticket Sales Fuel High Expectations
This optimistic outlook is largely fueled by the film’s unprecedented pre-sale performance. When tickets went on sale in mid-August, they surpassed $10 million in just four days—an exceptional pace for a Japanese animated feature.
Sources close to the production indicate that current advance sales have already blown past the $15 million mark, demonstrating the incredible enthusiasm of the fanbase. The film is set to launch in approximately 3,300 theaters across the United States, including premium formats like IMAX and PLF (Premium Large Formats), which are expected to further bolster its opening weekend gross.
Forecasting Concerns and Fan Behavior
Despite the massive hype, some analysts remain cautious. The dedicated fanbase for anime films often purchases tickets in advance and rushes to see the movie on opening day. This trend can lead to a “front-loaded” box office run, where the “walk-up” audience—viewers who buy tickets on the day of the show—is smaller on the subsequent days of the weekend, as a large portion of the revenue is already accounted for in pre-sales.
However, there are indications that Infinity Castle Part I may defy this trend. Reports suggest that ticket sales have been strong not only for the opening weekend but for the following weekend as well, hinting at sustained interest. The film is tracking particularly well with the under-25 demographic, both male and female.
What is the “Infinity Castle” Arc? The Epic Start of a Trilogy
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle Part I is the first chapter in a three-part cinematic event that will adapt the final arc of the manga. The story follows protagonist Tanjiro Kamado and his comrades as they are drawn into the enigmatic Infinity Castle, the lair of their ultimate nemesis, Muzan Kibutsuji. There, they must face the remaining members of the Upper Ranks, the most powerful demons in existence, in a series of desperate battles.
The film has already achieved colossal success in its native Japan, earning a staggering $213 million (approximately ¥30 billion). Its total worldwide gross is approaching $273 million, and this global momentum is significantly amplifying the anticipation for its North American release.
A Thriving September Box Office
The release of Infinity Castle Part I comes during a surprisingly competitive weekend at the North American box office. It will open alongside major titles such as the latest entry in the popular horror franchise, The Conjuring: Last Rites, and the cinematic conclusion to the beloved British drama, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale. The combined strength of these releases is expected to lift the mid-September weekend box office to its highest level since before the pandemic.
Even in a crowded market, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle Part I stands out as the weekend’s most anticipated release. All eyes are now on this Japanese cultural export to see if it can once again make history and set a new standard for success in the North American market.