Japanese anime movie Demon Slayer surprised everyone after a huge first weekend at the box-office. It earned an estimated $44 million.
Variety shared the information in an article on the Demon Slayer movie’s opening weekend collections.
The shock is evident because the movie titled Demon Slayer the Movie: Mugen Train is one of the few to releases in actual theaters. This year, it’s a big thing for any film to come out traditionally.
And more than that, the surprising thing is that such a large audience watched this anime movie. $44 million is no small figure keeping in mind how the condition is right now.
On its first day, last Friday, it raked in around $12 million.
This performance is absolutely astounding to believe amid the pandemic. The reason can also be due to viewers waiting for so long for the film.
Proper safety measures and steps are also taken during the screenings in theaters. And that is very important to prevent transmission of the COVID-19. And to restrict the constant flow of the virus.
“Demon Slayer the Movie: Mugen Train” beats Frozen 2
Going even beyond, the Japanese anime also broke Frozen 2‘s opening weekend record.
Upon release in 2019, Frozen 2 made $30 million in the first three days in Japan. It went on to finish around $121 million in the country.
On the other hand, Mugen Train movie even outnumbered the expectations for its opening week. They were set around $36 million, according to trade experts.
Aniplex and Toho distribute Demon Slayer across 403 screens in Japan. And producers include Shueisha, Ufotable, and Aniplex.
The film’s plot shows the story of a boy who turns demon slayer after his family is killed. And her sister also gets kidnapped by demons.
Big budget releases delayed amid a growing pandemic
Contrary to Demon Slayer‘s fate, other big productions and movies are facing a crisis. Studios like Disney and Warner Bros had to delay their ambitious releases.
Mulan, a remake of the original animated film, was released on Disney+ streaming service. It happened when it became impossible to go to theaters.
Black Widow, Eternals, and Shang-Chi and the Ten Rings’ Legend are arriving next year now. They all come under the big Marvel Cinematic Universe franchise.
DC’s The Batman and Wonder Woman 1984 are facing issues as well with production and release dates.
Coming to Demon Slayer, it’s set to release in the US also, in early 2021. Before that, it’s going to arrive in Taiwan later this month on Oct. 30.
Image courtesy of AniplexUS/YouTube Screenshot