CANNES – Mitchel Berger, Crunchyroll’s head of theatrical and distribution, is pumped about anime’s global rise, and he’s got a killer plan for rolling out Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle, the first of three films wrapping up the mega-hit franchise. Chatting at the Cannes Marche’s Animation Day and Streaming Forum, and later sitting down with Deadline, Berger dished on the worldwide release strategy and why anime’s packing theaters from Latin America to the Middle East. With Infinity Castle gearing up to be a 2025 box office beast, Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment are all-in on anime’s theatrical vibe.
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle is getting a slick, staggered global launch. Berger laid it out: Japan kicks things off on July 18, 2025, through Aniplex, with some Asian markets catching it in August via Sony’s network. North America jumps in on September 12, with IMAX and premium formats to show off ufotable’s jaw-dropping animation, and the rest of the world follows soon after. Fans can pick subbed or dubbed versions, and the film dives into the manga’s epic final arc, with Tanjiro and the Hashira battling Muzan in the mind-bending Infinity Castle.
“This is Demon Slayer at its peak, one of anime’s biggest heavyweights,” Berger told Deadline, barely containing his excitement. The trilogy follows the insane success of Demon Slayer: The Movie – Mugen Train (2020), which raked in over $500 million worldwide, snagging the title of top-grossing anime film ever and giving theaters a lifeline during the pandemic. Crunchyroll, teaming up with Sony, wants to beat that record, banking on Demon Slayer’s diehard fans and anime’s growing pull at the box office. To amp up the hype, a 4K re-release of Mugen Train on May 14, 2025, will drop an exclusive Infinity Castle trailer.
Berger’s big point? Anime’s not just killing it on streaming—it’s bringing crowds back to cinemas everywhere. “It’s huge on Crunchyroll, but it’s also getting people into theaters in all kinds of markets,” he said. Crunchyroll’s movie lineup, like Mugen Train, Jujutsu Kaisen 0, and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, owns the U.S. box office, with 10 of the top 20 anime films of all time. Mugen Train showed anime could pack seats even in tough times, and newer releases like Attack on Titan: The Last Attack have stretched their runs because fans can’t get enough.
So, what’s the draw? Berger says it’s the electric vibe of anime screenings. “Hit up a packed theater, and the crowd’s half the fun,” he grinned. Fans who connect online want to share the rush of cheering Tanjiro’s big moves or freaking out over twists together. Crunchyroll leans into this with goodies like Demon Slayer popcorn buckets and events like cons and concerts, turning movie nights into full-on fan parties. “People are craving experiences,” Berger said, comparing theater trips to the buzz of anime conventions for folks who can’t make it in person.
Berger’s got his sights on new turf for anime’s growth. Japan and France are anime hubs, but he’s stoked about India’s massive population, Southeast Asia’s booming demand, and Latin America’s deep love for the genre. The Middle East’s young crowd is also hungry for more. “We’re talking nearly a billion anime fans worldwide,” Berger said, fired up about Crunchyroll’s push to bring fresh stories to these spots.
Sony’s a huge boost here. As part of Sony Pictures Entertainment, Crunchyroll taps into Aniplex (Demon Slayer, Solo Leveling) and Sony’s distribution channels to get releases out fast. Sony’s 2024 buyout of Alamo Drafthouse theaters gives Crunchyroll more screens to flex anime’s big moments. “Being with Sony’s like hitting the gas on our growth,” Berger said, shouting out smoother dubs and global rollouts.
Infinity Castle is the main event, but Crunchyroll’s 2025 is stacked. The Chainsaw Man movie and My Hero Academia’s final season join the Demon Slayer trilogy for a crazy fall lineup. Berger also teased more Solo Leveling, backing up President Rahul Purini’s hints at a third season. “Fans are gonna get more of the story,” he told Deadline. To keep the energy high, Crunchyroll’s tossing out freebies like a Demon Slayer stage play and live concerts until the trilogy drops.
Infinity Castle isn’t just another movie—it’s proof anime’s a box office force. Berger’s game plan shows Crunchyroll using Demon Slayer’s massive draw to break into new markets and theaters. Industry bigwigs like Toho’s Mitsutaka Yoshida say Mugen Train changed the game, and Berger’s betting Infinity Castle will lock in anime’s staying power. Set to stream on Crunchyroll after its theater run, the trilogy will keep fans hooked online and off.
As Berger drives Crunchyroll’s theatrical push, anime’s showing it’s no side act. With Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle ready to tear up 2025’s box office, he’s bringing epic fights and can’t-miss moments to fans worldwide, proving anime’s a global party that’s just getting started.
Source: Deadline