Story perspectives

Demon Slayer Set for Record $60M Opening Weekend

9/14/2025

Summary

Demon Slayer Dominates

"Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle" is set for the largest anime opening weekend in North America, with estimates of $56 million to $60 million.
The film earned $33 million on Friday, breaking the record previously held by "Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero."
It is likely to become Sony's top domestic opener this year, supported by a strong anime fanbase.
"Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale" earned $20 million, appealing to older audiences but underperforming.
"The Long Walk" is projected to earn $11-$12.5 million, despite high expectations.

Summary

Koussim Confronts Trauma

Yanis Koussim's debut film "Roqia" premiered at Venice's International Film Critics' Week, focusing on Algeria's Black Decade (1992-2002) through a horror lens.
The film weaves three narratives that explore memory, trauma, and possession, highlighting the effects of extremist violence.
Koussim stresses confronting historical trauma, showing how unacknowledged violence can resurface.
"Roqia" critiques extremist distortions of Islam, asserting that true faith does not endorse violence.

History

Historical Context

"Cowboy Bebop," which debuted in 1998, transformed anime by broadening its global appeal and setting new standards for storytelling and animation. Its influence is evident in contemporary series like MAPPA's "Chainsaw Man," which premiered in 2022 and has garnered critical acclaim. The ongoing adaptations of popular manga highlight the competitive landscape of anime, now vying with major franchises like Marvel for audience attention.

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Demon Slayer Dominates

"Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle" is set for the largest anime opening weekend in North America, with estimates of $56 million to $60 million.
The film earned $33 million on Friday, breaking the record previously held by "Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero."
It is likely to become Sony's top domestic opener this year, supported by a strong anime fanbase.
"Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale" earned $20 million, appealing to older audiences but underperforming.
"The Long Walk" is projected to earn $11-$12.5 million, despite high expectations.

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