Anime Takes Over the Box Office!

Anime is back and is taking the box office by storm! 'Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba: Infinity Castle' raked in an astonishing $33 million across Friday and preview screenings from 3,315 theaters. This dazzling debut marks the highest opening day ever for an anime film, obliterating the previous record of $10.9 million held by 'Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero' in 2022.

A Historic Weekend for Anime!

Not only is this the biggest opening day, but 'Infinity Castle' is poised to have the largest opening weekend in anime history, easily surpassing the $31 million landmark set by 'Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back' back in 1999. Cinemas are bustling with fans eager to catch the latest installment in this epic saga, playing in both dubbed and subtitled formats.

Record-Breaking Global Earnings!

Globally, 'Infinity Castle' has already amassed over $279 million, with more than $200 million coming from Japan, where it continues to hold strong as the number one film eight weeks post-launch. It has now claimed its spot as the third-highest-grossing film in Japanese history!

Sony's Anime Front-Runner!

Sony’s Crunchyroll has pushed the boundaries for anime in North America, having dramatically uplifted the theatrical performance of anime titles following the COVID-19 pandemic. The success story started with 'Demon Slayer: Mugen Train,' which made waves with a $20 million debut. Now, 'Infinity Castle' could triple that astounding figure!

A Day of Big Releases!

While 'Infinity Castle' steals the spotlight, several other new films are making waves this weekend. 'Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale' is keenly positioned for a strong showing, making $8.8 million from 3,694 sites on its opening day, with projections suggesting a total of $19.5 million by the end of the weekend.

Thrilling Genre Releases!

Meanwhile, Lionsgate’s 'The Long Walk' set off with $4.76 million from 2,845 theaters and anticipates an opening above $11 million. Directed by the acclaimed Francis Lawrence, this existential thriller has received positive reviews.

Box Office Summary!

In a close second, 'The Conjuring: Last Rites' added $8.4 million to its growing pot, totaling an impressive $113 million in just over a week. Disney's re-release of 'Toy Story' contributed an additional $1.1 million, rounding out the weekend's top five.

Conclusion!

Ultimately, 'Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle' not only marks a monumental triumph for anime but elevates the entire theatrical landscape, proving that animated features can captivate audiences and set new benchmarks in the industry!