The Fantastic Four: First Stepsis an incredibly anticipated part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but the global box office has revealed that it cannot measure up to one anime. In Japan specifically,Fantastic Four’sopening was not a major success and was completely overshadowed by another hit.
According to anX post by box office reporter Luis Fernando,Fantastic Fouronly opened at a mere USD $731,000 on its first day in Japan, whileDemon Slayer: Infinity Castleraked in USD $11.1 million on its opening day, July 18.Infinity Castleis the long-awaited first installment inDemon Slayer’sfinale trilogy.
Fantastic Four’s Box Office in Japan Was Toppled by Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle
The Former Opened at USD $731,000, While the Latter Opened at USD $11.1 Million, a Stark Difference
The odds were already inInfinity Castle’sfavor,considering tickets for the movie’s opening night sold outbefore it ever reached theaters. Not only didInfinity Castlesell out, it sold out ten minutes after tickets became available for purchase, which was a strong hint that the film was going to be an absolute blockbuster once it was officially released.
Infinity Castle’sopening weekend set a new record in Japan, completely defeatingDemon Slayer: Mugen Train’s$500 million dollar opening back in 2020. These numbers only reflect the box office in Japan, sinceInfinity Castlehas yet to release in other countries, such as the United States, where the film has a September 12 release date.
Release dates forDemon Slayer:Infinity Castlevary depending on country, with the movie debuting in some places as soon as August 12. Once other areas of the world are able to watch the film, the box office numbers will likely skyrocket even further. For five years,Demon Slayer:Mugen Trainhas held the record for the highest-grossing anime film.
Infinity Castle Is on Track to Become the Highest Grossing Anime Movie Ever
The Film Has Already Defeated Mugen Train’s Opening Box Office, the Previous Top Anime Movie
Infinity Castle’sbox office victory in Japanseems to indicate thatMugen Trainmay not reign supreme as the top-grossing anime film for much longer. Its opening night box office numbers were already shattered byInfinity Castle,so it will come as no shock ifInfinity Castlemanages to earn more overall during its time in theaters across the world.
During its opening weekend,The Fantastic Four: Next Stepsearned $218 million globally.
The hype surroundingInfinity Castle,not just in Japan but worldwide, proves how far anime has come. Watching anime has blossomed from a fairly niche interest outside of Japan to a widely popular pastime in the last several years. The fact thatInfinity Castlemanaged to overthrow a Marvel film is a stunning feat.
Boasting a $31 billion gross across its movies, Marvel is one of pop culture’s biggest franchises, soInfinity CastlepushingFantastic Fouroff the top in Japan is a true accomplishment. Anime is receiving the appreciation it deserves, and films likeInfinity Castlemake it known that the genre can easily compete with the biggest names in entertainment.
