The anime film “Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle” opens its second weekend with an estimated $16.5 million. The strong earnings put the movie ahead of the horror title “Him,” which opens with about $15 million. Fans of the series and casual moviegoers alike are watching the numbers closely.
Why the Numbers Matter
The second‑weekend drop for “Demon Slayer” is only 77 percent, a rare feat for an anime release. Most anime films lose more than half of their opening revenue in the following weekend. This steadier performance shows the film’s broad appeal and solid word‑of‑mouth.
Comparing the Competitors
“Him” is directed by Justin Tipping and produced by Jordan Peele. Early audience reactions are lukewarm. The film earned a C‑ on CinemaScore and holds a 28 percent critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite the low scores, the low budget helps the movie reach its break‑even point quickly.
Record‑Breaking Anime Earnings
“Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle” becomes the first anime film to reach $100 million in U.S. box office history, passing “Pokemon: Mewtwo Strikes Back.” The milestone highlights the growing power of anime in mainstream theaters. Sony celebrates the achievement as its highest‑grossing release of the year, overtaking “28 Years Later.”
Sony’s Other Releases
Not all of Sony’s new titles perform well. “A Big Bold Beautiful Journey” opens with just $3.2 million from over three thousand theaters. The film, starring Colin Farrell and Margot Robbie, receives a B‑ on CinemaScore and a 38 percent critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The modest opening suggests limited staying power.
The Weekend Box Office Landscape
Overall, the weekend generates $76 million across all films. While some new releases struggle, others like “Conjuring: Last Rites” enjoy front‑loaded runs. The market shows a typical post‑summer slowdown, but upcoming titles such as “Gabby’s Dollhouse” and “One Battle After Another” could spark renewed interest.
What to Expect Next Week
Industry analysts predict that “Gabby’s Dollhouse,” a family‑friendly adaptation, will attract a broad audience. Meanwhile, Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” promises critical acclaim and may boost theater attendance.
Source: The Wrap
