Demon Slayer “Infinity Castle Arc” movie premieres in Japan
The latest installment in the globally popular Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba anime franchise, The Movie: Infinity Castle Arc Part 1, has officially premiered in theaters across Japan.
The film began its run with midnight screenings on Friday, the 18th of July.
This new movie is the first chapter in a planned trilogy that will adapt the “Infinity Castle Arc,” the final, climactic storyline from the original manga by Koyoharu Gotouge.
Numerous large-scale collaboration campaigns are currently happening across Japan, including a range of themed food and drink at convenience store chain FamilyMart.
The Demon Slayer franchise has grown into a massive international phenomenon, with its previous film, Mugen Train, breaking box office records both domestically and worldwide.
This new film picks up where the “Hashira Training Arc” of the television series left off.
The story begins as the primary antagonist, Muzan Kibutsuji, launches a direct assault on the Ubuyashiki Mansion, the headquarters of the Demon Slayer Corps.
When the protagonist Tanjiro Kamado and the highest-ranking Demon Slayers, the Hashira, rush to confront him, they are all cast into the “Infinity Castle,” the seemingly endless and ever-shifting fortress that serves as the demons’ primary stronghold.
This event marks the official start of the long-awaited final battle between the Demon Slayer Corps and the forces of Muzan.
The movie has a runtime of 155 minutes, placing it among some of the longest animated features released in recent years.
Promotional materials, including a main trailer and various scene cuts, have been released, showcasing impending confrontations between characters like Shinobu Kocho and the Upper Rank demon Doma, as well as the return of Akaza.
Fans in Japan have also been able to purchase a special Infinity Castle themed popcorn bucket, adding to the excitement surrounding the film’s release.
The film’s official subtitle is “Akaza’s Return,” referencing the powerful Upper Rank Three demon who played a pivotal role in the Mugen Train arc.
International fans will have to wait slightly longer to see the film, as it won’t release in territories including the US, Canada and the UK, until the 12th of September 2025.
For now, fans outside of Japan can view the latest trailer on YouTube:
You can also find out more about the film by checking out our review of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Arc Part 1.
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