LOS ANGELES (AP) — This weekend, “Chainsaw Man — The Movie: Reze Arc” topped the North American box office, pulling in $17.25 million. This anime adaptation has beaten out both a Bruce Springsteen biopic and the horror sequel “Black Phone 2.”
Anime films are on a roll lately. Just last month, “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle” set a record with $70 million in its debut. Now, “Chainsaw Man” joins the success, with a global earnings estimate of $108 million.
The film follows a unique story from the popular manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto. It centers on a demon hunter with an unusual twist—his arms and head can turn into chainsaws. It’s a mix of romance and action that fans have embraced.
Box Office Highlights
Here’s how the numbers break down:
- “Chainsaw Man — The Movie: Reze Arc” – $17.25 million
- “Black Phone 2” – $13 million
- “Regretting You” (a rom-com based on a Colleen Hoover novel) – $12.85 million
- “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere” – $9.1 million
- “Tron: Ares” – $4.9 million
The biopic features Jeremy Allen White as Springsteen, focusing on the musician’s creative journey while working on his iconic “Nebraska” album. White learned guitar specifically for the role, with Springsteen himself involved in production.
“Chainsaw Man” received an impressive A rating from audiences on Cinemascore, showcasing its popularity. In contrast, the Springsteen film scored a B+.
Additionally, “Black Phone 2,” featuring Ethan Hawke, has garnered around $50 million domestically and more than $80 million worldwide since its release.
Cultural Trends
Anime’s rise at the box office reflects a broader trend in entertainment. More viewers are embracing animated features, showing that storytelling can come in many forms. According to a recent survey by Statista, nearly 56% of U.S. adults aged 18-29 watch anime, highlighting the growing appeal of this genre.
This surge of interest parallels historical shifts in film. In the 1990s, animated classics like “The Lion King” captivated audiences. Today, anime is breaking records and reshaping expectations for what animated films can achieve.
Anime fans are particularly vocal on social media, often sharing their excitement through platforms like Twitter and TikTok. Hashtags related to recent releases trend quickly, creating a sense of community and anticipation.
As anime continues to gain traction, it will be interesting to see how studios adapt and what new stories emerge. The success of “Chainsaw Man” proves that the demand for innovative narratives is stronger than ever.
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Jeremy Allen White, Movies, Animation and comics, Dave Franco, Bruce Springsteen, General news, Entertainment, U.S. news, Alison Williams, Business, Canada, Ethan Hawke, Music, Scott Eastwood, U.S. News
