Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train just beat Hayao Miyazaki’s beloved 2001 film Spirited Away for Japan’s biggest box office hit. The Guardian reported it on Dec. 27. According to the official Demon Slayer movie Twitter account, as of Dec. 27, the film generated $32.47 billion yen (or $313.9 million USD) in ticket sales since its mid-October release.
The Success of Demon Slayer
https://tenor.com/embed.jsDemon Slayer has been a runaway success for anime fans since its release in 2019. The anime is based on the 2016 manga series written and illustrated by Koyoharu Gotōge. The story follows protagonist Tanjiro Kamado, who becomes a demon slayer after he discovers his family slaughter with the exception of his younger sister Nezuko. But Nezuko has been turned into a demon. Y’all have seen the GIFs!!
The Film Performed Well During A Pandemic
https://tenor.com/embed.jsIf you’re wondering how is it that cinemas were able to still operate during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s because Japan’s government has actually taken good measures for the safety of its citizens. Additionally, there is much less competition at this time, which is also another factor to consider for the film’s success.
We Loved You, Spirited Away!
https://tenor.com/embed.jsAccording to The Independent, Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away racked in over $31 billion yen. The film also became the first anime film to win an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. For 19 years, almost two decades, Spirited Away remained the top box office film in Japan until Demon Slayer came along to topple it. Our Geek Gals team loves both Spirited Away and Demon Slayer but it’s not a surprise for the success of the anime to continue into the film.
When Can North American fans watch the Demon Slayer movie?
https://tenor.com/embed.jsAccording to CNN, “dubbed and subtitled versions are due for release in the United States and Canada early next year.” So fingers crossed, maybe that’ll be as soon as February or maybe early spring. But with COVID-19 cases and deaths at an all-time high presently in December and early January, it’ll most likely be a release on a streaming platform. Hopefully that’s the case, as personally I would not take any risks going into a theater, for not just my safety but for others as well. We shall see!
Watch the Demon Slayer movie trailer
Haven’t gotten into Demon Slayer yet?
https://tenor.com/embed.jsThere’s still time! I always like to have the mentality of “better late than never.” The anime series is available to watch on Netflix and Hulu.
What are your thoughts on the Demon Slayer movie, anime series, or manga series? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!
Read Keana’s article about Demon Slayer.
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Featured image credit: Ufotable
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