"Theatrical Version 'Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Arc' Chapter One: Akaza Returns - Even Before Its Release, Fans Are Already Asking 'When is Chapter Two?' - Fans' Expectations and Cheers for the Production Team"

2025年07月09日 14:46

What is the Infinity Castle Arc?—Story and Positioning
The Production Background of Chapter One and the 155-Minute Impact
The Fan Psychology of Shouting "When is Chapter Two?"
The Reality of the Production Site: Animation Process and Load
Reading the Next Chapter Schedule from Past Release Paces
Global Distribution Strategy and Market Impact
Box Office Simulation and Business Considerations
The Perspective of International Fandom: Translation, Events, and Cosplay
Ideas for Enjoying the "Waiting Time" with Support Activities
Summary and Future Points of Interest

1. What is the Infinity Castle Arc?—Story and Positioning

The Infinity Castle Arc is the final part of the original 23-volume comic series. It begins right after the "Pillar Training Arc," with the sudden assault by Muzan Kibutsuji dragging the Demon Slayer Corps into the alternate dimension known as the "Infinity Castle." The simultaneous battles in this giant labyrinth feature the largest number of characters and battles in the series, making it extremely challenging to adapt into animation. The production team has adopted a trilogy format, with the first chapter expected to depict the battle against "Upper Rank Three" Akazamagmix.jp.

2. The Production Background of Chapter One and the 155-Minute Impact

From Announcement to Release
The trilogy project was unveiled in December 2024, and just seven months later, on July 18, 2025, it had a simultaneous nationwide release in 443 theaters plus 59 IMAX theaters, showcasing a rapid rollouttimes.abema.tv.
Running Time of 155 Minutes
Officially confirmed to be 2 hours and 35 minutes, making it one of the longest anime films in recent yearsanime.eiga.com. The lengthy duration suggests a production policy of "packing in content without cutting."
World's Fastest Screening
Midnight screenings were held at 24 theaters nationwide, sparking hot topicsanimeanime.jp.

3. The Fan Psychology of Shouting "When is Chapter Two?"

Even before the release, comments like "If Chapter 2 takes more than a year to release, the excitement will fade" and "It would be tough if it takes five years for all three films" flooded Twitter/Threadsmagmix.jp. This is

due to the increased "waiting stress" in the streaming era post-COVID-19
as those who have read the original are eager to experience the upcoming developments quickly
.

4. The Reality of the Production Site: Animation Process and Load

Ufotable is known for its "high-density layer method," which involves extensive use of 3D background compositing and hand-drawn effects, often resulting in several times more drawings per cut than a typical TV anime. Animators have expressed concerns, saying, "A six-month interval is not realistic," and "I hope they prioritize health," while fans show understanding, saying, "I'm prepared to wait for quality."magmix.jp.

5. Reading the Next Chapter Schedule from Past Release Paces

Past Works	Format	Release/Broadcast	Time to Next Series
Mugen Train Arc (Theatrical)	2020.10	Entertainment District Arc TV 2021.12	14 months
Entertainment District Arc TV	2021.12	Swordsmith Village Arc TV 2023.04	16 months
Swordsmith Village Arc TV	2023.04	Pillar Training Arc TV 2024.05	13 months

Considering the average gap of about 14 months,the earliest realistic release for Chapter Two would be in early summer 2026.times.abema.tv. Some insiders suggest a goal of completing all three chapters within 28 months, but no official announcement has been made.

6. Global Distribution Strategy and Market Impact

Distribution Network: Domestically handled by Toho & Aniplex, and overseas in over 150 regions by Crunchyroll/Sony Pictures Releasingen.wikipedia.org.
North American Initial Release: Set for September 12, with a screen count equal to or greater than 'Mugen Train.'
IMAX Expansion: Reportedly considering screenings in over 500 IMAX theaters, up from 452en.wikipedia.org.

International box office revenue could surpass the previous work 'Mugen Train,' which grossed $507 million.

7. Box Office Simulation and Business Considerations

Domestic Box Office Forecast: Expected to gross 3.2 to 3.5 billion yen over the first three days, with a final tally of 13 to 15 billion yen.
Merchandising: Strategy to increase merchandise sales through entrance bonus art stands (drawn by the original author) and large-scale collaborationseiga.com.
Risk: If the latter parts of the trilogy are delayed, it could lead to a decrease in enthusiasm and an increase in merchandise inventory risk.

The production cost for just the first chapter is estimated at 3.5 to 4 billion yen, with the entire trilogy being a major investment exceeding 10 billion yen.

8. The Perspective of International Fandom

In English-speaking regions, the abbreviations "Infinity Castle chapter 1" and "IC1" have become established. There is also high demand for cosplay, with "Infinity Castle Cosplay Zones" planned at anime events in LA, Paris, and Singapore. Overseas fans are requesting "simultaneous subtitle streaming" and English-dubbed "making-of specials," and Sony is reportedly considering a plan to release documentaries for free on YouTubetimesofindia.indiatimes.com.

9. Ideas for Enjoying the "Waiting Time" with Support Activities

Official SNS Timeline Translation Relay
Crowdfunding-style Fireworks Project (Akaza's Eye Motif)
Project to Deliver Gifts to the Production Site by Purchasing Animator Support Goods
Re-reading the Original + Discussion Streaming to Activate Fan Debates

10. Summary and Future Points of Interest

The first chapter, with its 155-minute length, depicts up to the "Akaza conclusion," revealing the structure of the trilogy. Although the release date for the second chapter has not been announced, considering the pace of past works and production load, 2026 or later seems reasonable. The fans' desire to "see the continuation soon" is also a cheer for "wanting it to be the best visual experience." Now that it has become a global IP, the attitude of creatively enjoying the waiting time will likely become the greatest support for the work.

11. List of Reference Articles

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