Anime Adaptation ‘Chainsaw Man’ Surpasses Springsteen Biopic and ‘Black Phone 2’ at North American Box Office
LOS ANGELES (AP) – The cinematic version of the hit manga series Chainsaw Man has taken the lead at the North American box office, overtaking a newly released Bruce Springsteen biopic and the horror sequel Black Phone 2 in its opening weekend.
The film, produced by a major studio and directed by a veteran of Japanese animation, earned an estimated $28 million across 3,200 theaters in its first three days, according to industry trackers. By comparison, the Springsteen biopic opened to roughly $21 million, while Black Phone 2 generated about $15 million. The strong performance reflects a growing appetite for anime‑based productions among mainstream audiences in the United States.
Analysts note that the success of Chainsaw Man follows a recent wave of high‑profile anime adaptations, such as Spider‑Man: Across the Spider‑Verse and My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission, which have demonstrated the genre’s box‑office viability. "The combination of an established fan base and a compelling marketing campaign has allowed the film to capture a broad demographic, from dedicated manga readers to casual moviegoers," said a senior analyst at a leading market research firm.
Industry observers also point to the timing of the release as a factor. The film debuted during a relatively quiet weekend for major studio releases, allowing it to dominate screen availability. Additionally, the promotional strategy included partnerships with streaming platforms and a series of fan events that generated buzz on social media. "Strategic scheduling and targeted outreach have clearly paid off," commented a spokesperson for the distribution company, without revealing specific details.
While the Springsteen biopic and Black Phone 2 received positive critical notes, their narrower thematic focus may have limited their mass‑market appeal. The biopic, chronicling the life of the legendary rock musician, attracted audiences interested in music history, whereas the horror sequel appealed primarily to genre enthusiasts. Both films are expected to maintain steady earnings in the coming weeks, but the momentum currently favors the anime adaptation.
Looking ahead, the strong opening of Chainsaw Man could encourage studios to invest further in anime properties, potentially expanding the range of source material adapted for Western theaters. For now, the film’s performance underscores the evolving landscape of Hollywood’s box‑office calculus, where cross‑cultural franchises are increasingly central to commercial success.
