What's Happening?
Crunchyroll has announced that 'Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle' will not be available for streaming until at least early 2026. The film, which has already achieved significant box office success, will remain exclusive to theaters throughout 2025. Mitchel Berger, Crunchyroll's executive vice president of global commerce, emphasized the importance of experiencing the film in theaters, stating that it is the only venue where the film will be available next year. 'Infinity Castle' has set records as the highest-grossing film of 2025 in Japan and the top-grossing Japanese film worldwide, earning $555 million to date.
Why It's Important?
The decision to keep 'Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle' exclusive to theaters highlights the ongoing importance of theatrical releases in the film industry, particularly for high-profile anime films. This strategy may influence other studios to prioritize theatrical releases over streaming, potentially impacting how audiences access new films. The film's success underscores the growing popularity of anime globally, which could lead to increased investment in anime productions and more theatrical releases. Fans of the franchise may need to plan visits to theaters to experience the film, affecting viewing habits and cinema attendance.
What's Next?
As 'Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle' continues its theatrical run, fans and industry observers will be watching for any changes in release strategy or additional announcements regarding streaming availability. The film's box office performance may encourage other anime studios to adopt similar strategies, potentially leading to more exclusive theatrical releases. Crunchyroll's decision could also prompt discussions about the balance between streaming and theatrical releases in the anime industry.
