Anime Blockbusters Incoming: Demon Slayer & Chainsaw Man Movie Trailers Drop!
Beyond the animated series we introduced earlier this week, two immensely popular Japanese anime franchises are set to release feature films in the coming months:
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle, North American Release Date: September 12th
Based on Koyoharu Gotouge's manga, serialized from 2016 to 2020, which ranked sixth in Kono Manga ga Sugoi! (Men Version). The anime first premiered in 2019, followed by the film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train in 2020. That movie earned over 40 billion JPY in Japan, becoming the highest-grossing film in Japanese history. It also premiered during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many Hollywood films were postponed, and its over $500 million global box office made it the highest-grossing film worldwide that year. Beyond its box office success, the first season of the anime won the Crunchyroll Anime Awards' Anime of the Year, while Mugen Train won Film of the Year. This Infinity Castle Arc will also be released as three separate films and will be shown in IMAX theaters, expected to break numerous box office records once again.
Tanjiro Kamado – a boy who joined an organization dedicated to hunting down demons called the Demon Slayer Corps after his younger sister Nezuko was turned into a demon. While growing stronger and deepening his friendships and bonds with fellow corps members, Tanjiro has battled many demons with his comrades, Zenitsu Agatsuma and Inosuke Hashibira. Along the way, his journey has led him to fight alongside the Demon Slayer Corps’ highest-ranking swordsmen, the Hashira, including Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku aboard the Mugen Train, Sound Hashira Tengen Uzui within the Entertainment District, as well as Mist Hashira Muichiro Tokito and Love Hashira Mitsuri Kanroji at the Swordsmith Village.
As the Demon Slayer Corps members and Hashira engaged in a group strength training program, the Hashira Training, in preparation for the forthcoming battle against the demons, Muzan Kibutsuji appears at the Ubuyashiki Mansion. With the head of the Demon Corps in danger, Tanjiro and the Hashira rush to the headquarters but are plunged into a deep descent to a mysterious space by the hands of Muzan Kibutsuji. The destination of where Tanjiro and Demon Slayer Corps have fallen is the demons’ stronghold – the Infinity Castle. And so, the battleground is set as the final battle between the Demon Slayer Corps and the demons ignites.
Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc, North American Release Date: October 29th
Based on Tatsuki Fujimoto's manga, serialized since 2019, which achieved significant accolades, including first place in Kono Manga ga Sugoi! (men version), second place in the Next Manga Award, and second place in Nationwide Bookstore Employees Recommended Comics, as well as being nominated for the Manga Taishō. The anime is produced by MAPPA, known for Jujutsu Kaisen, and first premiered in 2022. This film adaptation will continue directly from the plot of the first season.
Denji worked as a Devil Hunter for the yakuza, trying to pay off the debt he inherited from his parents, until the yakuza betrayed him and had him killed. As he was losing consciousness, Denji’s beloved chainsaw-powered devil-dog, Pochita, made a deal with Denji and saved his life. This fused the two together, creating the unstoppable Chainsaw Man. Now, in a brutal war between devils, hunters, and secret enemies, a mysterious girl named Reze has stepped into his world, and Denji faces his deadliest battle yet, fueled by love in a world where survival knows no rules.
If you are interested in upcoming movies to be released in Canada, please visit the Movie Release Schedule page on this website!
Photo and Source: Demon Slayer、©Koyoharu Gotoge / SHUEISHA, Aniplex, ufotable、Chainsaw Man