Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle is on the brink of making cinematic history. Following months of speculation, the highly successful anime film has officially secured a release date in mainland China, a move that could propel its global box office past the coveted one billion dollar milestone. The film is scheduled to premiere on November 14, 2025, distributed by Maoyan Pictures, according to reports that also confirm the establishment of the movie’s verified Weibo account—an indicator that Chinese authorities have approved its theatrical release.
The inclusion of the Chinese market marks a crucial step for Infinity Castle, which has already amassed an estimated $675.8 million worldwide. Analysts now project a final tally between $900 million and $1 billion, a figure that would make it not only the highest-grossing anime film ever but also the first in the genre’s history to surpass the billion-dollar threshold. This achievement would place it alongside this year’s global box office giants, including Lilo and Stitch ($1.04 billion), Minecraft: The Movie ($957.9 million), and Jurassic World Rebirth ($868.5 million).
Directed by Haruo Sotozaki and produced by Ufotable, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle adapts the climactic arc of Koyoharu Gotouge’s acclaimed manga. The film chronicles the desperate struggle of the Demon Slayer Corps after they are trapped within Muzan Kibutsuji’s vast and shifting fortress, the titular Infinity Castle. As the warriors face the Upper Rank demons in brutal one-on-one duels, the narrative dives deep into sacrifice, redemption, and the emotional burdens of battle. The story serves as the first part of the series’ grand finale, setting the stage for the ultimate confrontation against Muzan himself.
The film’s tremendous success highlights the enduring global appeal of Demon Slayer. In Japan, Infinity Castle has grossed approximately ¥37.46 billion (about $253 million), making it the second highest-grossing domestic release of all time, just behind Demon Slayer: Mugen Train. Its international success is also notable, especially in Asia. Recently, it surpassed Suzume to become the most-watched anime film in South Korean box office history, solidifying its cultural impact beyond Japan.
With its China release now confirmed, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle is poised to enter uncharted territory for the anime industry. Should it reach the billion-dollar mark, it will not only redefine the limits of Japanese animation at the global box office but also stand as a testament to the franchise’s ability to unite audiences through its blend of heart, heroism, and cinematic grandeur. For both Toho and Aniplex, this milestone would mark a new era in anime’s international dominance—and for fans, it’s a triumph years in the making.
