Sony's Crunchyroll Anime Leads Box Office Again as “Chainsaw Man” Targets $15‑$17 Million Opening
Sony’s Crunchyroll anime division is once again demonstrating its commercial strength, with the upcoming release of the "Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc" projected to generate between $15 million and $17 million in its opening weekend. The figure places the film among the highest‑grossing anime titles in the United States this year, reaffirming the studio’s ability to draw sizable audiences despite a crowded autumn slate.
The movie, slated for a wide release on October 25, continues the story of the titular demon‑hunter and expands on the popular Reze storyline introduced in the streaming series. Early ticket‑sale data from major chains such as AMC and Regal indicate brisk demand, particularly in metropolitan markets with strong anime fan bases. Analysts note that the film benefits from a robust promotional campaign that includes limited‑edition merchandise, partner tie‑ins with streaming platforms, and a series of fan events in key cities.
Industry observers point to Sony’s strategic positioning of the title as a “tentpole” event, contrasting it with other high‑budget releases that have underperformed at the box office this season, such as the recent "Tron: Ares" reboot. While the broader market has seen a slowdown in cinema attendance, the sustained popularity of Japanese animation—bolstered by streaming success and a growing demographic of adult fans—has helped offset the trend.
Official spokespeople for Sony Pictures Entertainment declined to provide specific financial projections but emphasized that the company views the "Chainsaw Man" franchise as a cornerstone of its international growth strategy. "The strong opening reflects both the quality of the source material and the continued enthusiasm of audiences for well‑crafted animated storytelling," a representative said.
Looking ahead, the performance of the "Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc" could influence studio decisions on future anime adaptations and theatrical releases. If the projected opening is achieved, it may encourage further investment in original animated properties and solidify Sony’s position as a leading distributor of anime in Western markets.
