Over the weekend, the box office saw the anime hit “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – the Movie Infinity Castle” claim the top spot, surpassing Jordan Peele’s “Him.” The film, distributed by Sony-owned Crunchyroll, recorded a staggering $70 million U.S. opening and is expected to rake in $17.3 million this weekend, solidifying its position as the highest-grossing anime movie globally, with earnings exceeding $555 million.
In contrast, “Him,” produced by Universal and Peele’s Monkeypaw, is projected to close the weekend with $13.5 million, falling short of its earlier estimates. The psychological horror movie stars Tyriq Withers as a promising NFL quarterback prospect grappling with a career-threatening injury and received a lukewarm reception from audiences, earning a C- CinemaScore.
Meanwhile, the weekend brought disappointment for other Sony releases, notably Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell’s romantic fantasy “A Big Bold Beautiful Journey,” which underperformed with a projected $3.5 million at the box office. The film, directed by Kogonada, follows the journey of a man and a woman revisiting pivotal moments in their lives, receiving mixed reviews and a B- CinemaScore from viewers.
Amidst these releases, “Demon Slayer” continues to dominate the global box office, cementing its position as a powerhouse in the anime genre. Its success underscores the increasing popularity of anime adaptations in mainstream cinema and the growing demand for diverse storytelling in the entertainment industry.
As the top five films at the box office are rounded out by New Line’s “The Conjuring: The Last Rites,” Lionsgate’s “The Long Walk,” and Focus’ “Downton Abbey: The Finale,” it is evident that audiences are drawn to a variety of genres and narratives, showcasing the diversity of tastes in the movie market.
The performance of “Demon Slayer” and the lukewarm reception of “Him” and “A Big Bold Beautiful Journey” highlight the unpredictable nature of the film industry and the importance of engaging storytelling and audience connection in driving box office success. These films serve as a testament to the power of compelling narratives and well-crafted characters in captivating and retaining viewer interest.
With “Demon Slayer” breaking records and resonating with audiences worldwide, it exemplifies the enduring appeal of anime and the potential for anime adaptations to make a significant impact in the global film landscape. The success of these films reflects the evolving preferences of moviegoers and the industry’s continuous efforts to cater to diverse audiences and narratives.
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