Summary
The global box office is witnessing an intense showdown as Demon Slayer Infinity Castle smashes records, horror film Him targets a solid debut, and A Big Bold Beautiful Journey enters with mixed reviews but strong star power. From opening weekend projections to budget stakes and critical reception, here’s a complete breakdown of this cinematic battle.
The Demon Slayer franchise has once again proven its unmatched strength at the global box office. Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle stormed into theaters with a massive $70 million domestic debut, instantly cementing itself as the biggest anime opening ever in North America.
Worldwide, the film has already surpassed $177 million across 49 territories, a clear sign that the anime juggernaut has global appeal. Fans were eager for this installment, as it marks the beginning of the trilogy finale, making it one of the most highly anticipated anime films in recent years.
The success of Infinity Castle isn’t just about numbers—it’s also about momentum. The franchise continues to set records, outperform earlier installments, and expand its fanbase beyond core anime enthusiasts. With such a strong start, it’s expected to dominate the coming weeks, putting immense pressure on new releases trying to find their space at the box office.
A Big Bold Beautiful Journey: Star Power Meets Box Office Challenges
Sony’s A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, directed by Kogonada and starring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell, is entering theaters with high expectations but also significant risks.
Budget and Stakes
The film carries a hefty $45 million budget, which means it must perform strongly both domestically and internationally to break even. Unlike blockbuster franchises, romantic fantasy dramas often face a tougher road at the box office, relying heavily on reviews and word of mouth.
Projections
The film is expected to open in the $8–10 million range from around 3,200 theaters in North America. While this is a decent start for an original title, it is far from enough to secure profitability unless it maintains long-term momentum.
Critical Reception
Reviews for A Big Bold Beautiful Journey are mixed. While critics have praised its visual style, poetic tone, and bold performances—especially from Colin Farrell—others have criticized the film’s narrative depth and uneven chemistry between the leads. Such polarizing feedback could impact its box office legs.
For Sony, the big question is whether the film can attract adult audiences looking for original content, or whether it will be overshadowed by anime and horror dominance.
Him: Horror’s Reliable Appeal
In contrast to big-budget fantasy dramas, horror has consistently delivered solid box office returns relative to production costs. Him, a psychological horror release, is projected to open around $15 million domestically.
This performance would put it above A Big Bold Beautiful Journey despite a significantly smaller budget. Horror films often benefit from loyal genre fans, lower marketing costs, and strong late-night turnout, all of which could help Him carve out a profitable run even against stiff competition.
If positive word of mouth spreads, Him could become a sleeper hit of the season, following the trend of recent successful horror releases that exceeded expectations.
Comparing the Three Films
Opening Weekend Expectations
- Demon Slayer Infinity Castle: ~$70 million (domestic) and ~$177 million worldwide already.
- Him: ~$15 million projected opening.
- A Big Bold Beautiful Journey: ~$8–10 million projected opening.
Audience Reach
- Demon Slayer appeals to both anime fans and general audiences, boosted by global franchise recognition.
- Him targets horror lovers, a loyal audience base that regularly supports theatrical releases.
- A Big Bold Beautiful Journey relies heavily on star power and critical acclaim but faces a more niche audience appeal.
Risk Factors
- Demon Slayer: Minimal risk due to franchise strength.
- Him: Moderate, as success depends on word of mouth.
- A Big Bold Beautiful Journey: High risk due to budget and lukewarm reviews.
Creative Highlights of A Big Bold Beautiful Journey
Despite the financial risks, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey stands out as an ambitious artistic effort.
- Director: Kogonada, known for visually striking films like Columbus and After Yang.
- Cast: Margot Robbie (post-Barbie fame) and Colin Farrell, with support from Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Kevin Kline, and Lily Rabe.
- Music: The score by Joe Hisaishi elevates the film’s emotional tone, blending perfectly with its romantic and dreamlike aesthetic.
This combination of talent makes the film a noteworthy creative project, even if its commercial prospects remain uncertain.
The Bigger Picture: What This Weekend Means for Hollywood
This box office clash highlights the evolving dynamics of modern cinema:
- Franchise power remains unshakable – Demon Slayer proves that anime can rival Hollywood blockbusters when given the right push.
- Horror continues to deliver – Smaller-budget horror films provide studios with reliable returns, balancing risks.
- Original dramas face uphill battles – Despite big names and artistic vision, non-franchise films like A Big Bold Beautiful Journey need exceptional reviews or awards buzz to survive in today’s marketplace.
Long-Term Outlook
- Demon Slayer Infinity Castle is set for a long theatrical run, with potential to become one of the highest-grossing anime films of all time.
- Him may exceed projections if it connects strongly with horror audiences.
- A Big Bold Beautiful Journey could struggle domestically but may find more appreciation internationally or later through streaming platforms.
Also Read : Limited Edition Nipsey Hussle Metro TAP Cards 2025
Final Thoughts
The box office landscape this weekend underscores how different genres carve their spaces. Anime’s global power, horror’s consistent returns, and the struggle of original adult dramas present a clear snapshot of audience preferences in 2025.
While Demon Slayer Infinity Castle dominates with record-breaking numbers, Him positions itself as a reliable horror contender, and A Big Bold Beautiful Journey fights to prove that star-driven, original stories still have a place in cinemas.
FAQs
How much did Demon Slayer Infinity Castle make on opening weekend?
The film earned about $70 million domestically and around $177 million worldwide in its debut weekend.
What is the budget of A Big Bold Beautiful Journey?
The Sony film is estimated to have cost around $45 million to produce.
How much is Him projected to earn in its opening weekend?
The horror film is expected to make around $15 million domestically in its first weekend.
Why is A Big Bold Beautiful Journey considered risky?
Its high budget, mixed reviews, and niche genre appeal make it harder to achieve profitability compared to anime and horror releases.
Which film is expected to dominate the September 2025 box office?
Demon Slayer Infinity Castle is the clear leader and is expected to continue dominating globally in the coming weeks.
Join our WhatsApp channel for more updates and information about celebrities and entertainment.
Discover more from Cine Storytellers
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
