“Demon Slayer” Saga to Conclude with “Infinity Castle” Film Trilogy

Los Angeles, June 30, 2024 — Crunchyroll, in partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment, announced on Sunday that the hugely popular anime franchise “Demon Slayer” will be coming to a close with a trilogy of theatrical films. The final arc of the series, titled “Infinity Castle,” will be released exclusively in cinemas worldwide, marking a grand finish to the award-winning “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” phenomenon.

“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle” will consist of three films that represent the culmination of the beloved shonen series. The announcement comes on the heels of the finale of the series’ “Hashira Training” arc, with the movies serving as the last episodes in the franchise. Crunchyroll and Sony have acquired the worldwide distribution rights, excluding select Asian territories, including Japan, with release dates yet to be revealed.

“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” is based on the manga series by acclaimed artist Koyoharu Gotoge, published under Shueisha’s JUMP COMICS. Since its debut in 2018, the manga has sold over 150 million copies, solidifying its place as one of the most popular anime franchises globally. The story follows Tanjiro Kamado, a boy who joins the Demon Slayer Corps after his family is killed by a demon. Tanjiro seeks to turn his younger sister Nezuko, who has been transformed into a demon, back into a human.

The anime adaptation premiered in April 2019 with the “Tanjiro Kamado, Unwavering Resolve” arc and quickly became a cultural sensation. This was followed by a mix of feature films and TV series arcs, including “Mugen Train” (2020), “Mugen Train Arc” (2021), “Entertainment District Arc” (2021-2022), and more recently, the “Swordsmith Village Arc” and “Hashira Training Arc” in 2023 and 2024, respectively. The various anime adaptations have been produced by the Tokyo-based production banner Ufotable, known for their stunning visuals and animation quality.

The upcoming “Infinity Castle” trilogy concludes what has been a wildly successful journey for the “Demon Slayer” franchise. The previous film, “Mugen Train,” currently holds the record as the highest-grossing anime film of all time, with over $500 million in global box office sales. It is also the highest-grossing Japanese film at the global box office and the second-highest-grossing anime film in U.S. box office history. “Mugen Train” received widespread critical acclaim, boasting a 98% critic score and an impressive 99% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Rahul Purini, President of Crunchyroll, expressed his excitement about the upcoming trilogy: “Demon Slayer has been a phenomenal franchise, and we at Crunchyroll are delighted to have been a part of it from the beginning. Crunchyroll is thrilled to be able to bring this trilogy of films to fans on the big screen, and it promises to be one of the truly epic and consequential pop cultural events of our time when it hits cinemas.”

The conclusion of the “Demon Slayer” saga has sparked a range of emotions among fans, with many expressing their excitement for the grand finale while also mourning the end of their beloved series. Longtime fan, Elena Martinez, shared her thoughts: “I’m both happy and sad. I can’t wait to see how they conclude the story on the big screen, but it’s bittersweet knowing it’s coming to an end. ‘Demon Slayer’ has been such an integral part of the anime community, and it’s hard to imagine it being over.”

Another fan, Jared Wilson, commented on the impact of the series: “‘Demon Slayer’ has left an indelible mark on the anime industry. It’s introduced so many people to the world of anime and showcased the depth and beauty of this art form. I’m excited to see how they wrap up the story, and I know the ‘Infinity Castle’ trilogy will be an emotional rollercoaster.”

The “Infinity Castle” trilogy is expected to build upon the success of its predecessors, delivering a satisfying conclusion to the story of Tanjiro and Nezuko while pushing the boundaries of anime in cinema. With the franchise’s immense global following, the films are anticipated to be one of the biggest pop cultural events of the year, solidifying “Demon Slayer’s” legacy in the world of anime and beyond.

As fans eagerly await release dates and further details, the “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle” trilogy is poised to be a landmark event in the anime community, bringing fans together one last time to experience the epic conclusion of their beloved series on the big screen.

Reactions from the Anime Community:

• “I’ve been following ‘Demon Slayer’ since the manga’s early days, and seeing it come to life in anime form has been incredible. The ‘Infinity Castle’ trilogy will be the perfect send-off, and I can’t wait to experience it in theaters.” — Sarah Williams, Anime Blogger
• “As an anime enthusiast, ‘Demon Slayer’ holds a special place in my heart. It’s a series that has connected people from all walks of life, and its impact on the industry is undeniable. I’m both excited and sad to see it come to an end, but I trust that the filmmakers will give it the send-off it deserves.” — Keisuke Yamada, Anime Critic
• “The ‘Infinity Castle’ trilogy will be a landmark event for anime fans worldwide. ‘Demon Slayer’ has broken records and barriers, and I have no doubt that these films will continue to push the boundaries of what anime can achieve.” — Akihiro Yamamoto, Anime Journalist
• “I’m thrilled that ‘Demon Slayer’ is getting the cinematic conclusion it deserves. The series has been a global phenomenon, and I expect the films to be emotional, action-packed, and visually stunning. Get your tissues ready, because this trilogy will be an anime event to remember!” — Mia Garcia, Anime YouTuber
• “As a long-time fan of the manga, I’m curious to see how they adapt the final arc into a trilogy. ‘Demon Slayer’ has always excelled in its animation and storytelling, and I trust that the filmmakers will deliver a satisfying conclusion. It’s the end of an era, and I can’t wait to experience it alongside fellow fans in theaters worldwide.” — Takeshi Fujiwara, Anime Forum Moderator

The impact of the “Demon Slayer” franchise extends beyond these comments, with fans across the globe expressing their love for the series and their anticipation for the upcoming trilogy. The anime community is abuzz with excitement, memes, and emotional tributes as they prepare to say goodbye to Tanjiro and his companions.

As the release of “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle” draws near, the anime world braces for an epic conclusion that will leave a lasting mark on the industry and in the hearts of fans forever.