Key Highlights
- “Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc” is poised to top the box office this weekend with potential earnings of $11 million to $15 million.
- The movie, a sequel to an anime series, has already made $3.4 million from Thursday previews, outperforming other contenders like “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere” and “Black Phone 2.”
- “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie – Infinity Castle,” also distributed by Sony Pictures, has grossed $131 million in the U.S. and over $588 million worldwide since its release.
- Sony Pictures’ success with anime films is attributed to increasing interest among young audiences, as well as a significant global fan base for “Demon Slayer.”
The Rise of Anime in the U.S. Box Office
“Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc,” set to open this weekend, is expected to bring significant box office success following the lead of “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie – Infinity Castle.” The new anime film has already generated $3.4 million from Thursday previews, outperforming other films like “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere” and “Black Phone 2,” which have struggled to find success at the box office.
The “Demon Slayer” series, distributed by Sony Pictures, is a prime example of the growing popularity of anime in U.S. theaters. Since its release in September, it has earned $131 million domestically and over $588 million worldwide, making it one of the top-grossing films of 2024 so far according to Box Office Mojo. This success is a testament to the enduring appeal of anime among both young and engaged audiences.
Industry Trends and Sony’s Strategy
Sony Pictures’ investment in anime has been strategic, leveraging the growing fan base for “Demon Slayer.” Rahul Purini, president of Crunchyroll, Sony’s streaming service, stated that the global fan base for the “Demon Slayer” IP has significantly grown since 2021. This growth is part of a broader trend where studios are increasingly betting on anime to attract audiences.
“The anime fandom is no longer niche—it’s mainstream and gigantic,” Purini emphasized, highlighting Sony’s confidence in the future success of the genre. The company’s decision to release “Demon Slayer” in theaters last month was driven by the belief that fans would turn out for a large number of screenings with their friends.
“Chainsaw Man” is positioned as the first film in what could be a trilogy, though no specific dates have been announced. Sony Pictures’ strategy underscores the importance of capitalizing on popular anime series to drive box office success and maintain fan engagement through multiple theatrical releases.
Potential for Future Success
The upcoming release of “Chainsaw Man” this weekend is set against a backdrop of typically quiet months in the box office. October 2025 is on track to be one of the lowest-grossing months, according to Box Office Mojo. Despite challenges from other films like “Tron: Ares,” which are projected to lose over $130 million for Disney, and several high-profile flops, Sony’s strategy appears well-positioned.
With a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes and strong audience ratings, “Chainsaw Man” is expected to perform strongly in its opening weekend. The film’s potential earnings of $11 million to $15 million suggest that the series has captured the attention of U.S. audiences and could set a new standard for anime box office success.
