The following article contains major spoilers for Demon Slayer.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaibahas just released the long-awaitedDemon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Infinity Castle, also known asChapter 1: Akaza Returns, and it isalready breaking major records. Currently, it’s only playing in theaters in Japan, but it’ll be in theaters internationally next month.
Demon Slayerfans who have already watched the movie generally claim that the film is much more touching than they expected, and that they cried with Akaza’s backstory. However, fans should be prepared, because what’s coming in the next movies is even more heartbreaking.
Akaza’s Story Is A Major Highlight in the First Infinity Castle Movie
Movie Title
Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Infinity Castle(Part 1/Akaza Returns)
Chapters Covered
140–157
According to fans and based on the order of events in the manga, the first movie shows Shinobu Kocho fighting against Doma (which leads to her sad death) and Zenitsu Agatsuma defeating Kaigaku in its first minutes; most of it is the thrilling battle between Tanjiro Kamado, Giyu Tomioka, and Akaza. Fans remember very well thatTanjiro has a score to settle with Akazasince the Mugen Train Arc, but Giyu also has his own story with the demon.
In addition to the battle, the film also reveals Akaza’s tragic backstory and the reason why he became a demon. Given the feedback from fans on social media, it seems that the movie greatly extended the contents of the manga depicting his backstory, and this was one of the most heartbreaking moments of the movie. Akaza has become a fan-favorite demon for many due to his past.
Rengoku Was Finally Avenged
Even though many were moved by Akaza’s sad story, they haven’t forgotten what he did in previous arcs and how he killed the former Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku, in the Mugen Train arc. This event was pivotal to Tanjiro’s development and can be easily considered the moment when there was no turning back for Tanjiro in his journey as a Demon Slayer.
In an intense battle whose animation is being massively praised by Japanese fans, Tanjiro was finally able to avenge the death of his friend, finally bringing closure to this matter. However, both Tanjiro and Giyu are severely injured at the end of the movie, and they will likely be offscreen for most of the second movie.
Inosuke’s Relation to Doma Will Leave Fans Broken in the Second Movie
Shinobu died at the beginning of the movie, butshe was able to poison Domabefore that, and this will have major consequences in the second movie, which is likely to focus on him (and perhaps Kokushibo). However, Kanao Tsuyuri arrived shortly before the death of her adoptive sister.Inosuke Hashibira will soon join her, and he will also probably be a highlight in the second movie, and fans will learn more about him.His backstory will surely be even more heartbreaking than Akaza’s, and it is related to Doma.
It seems you are mistaken. Heaven and hell do not exist in this world. Those things don’t exist at all. They’re made up. Just human conceits. The reality is that even those who live upright and good lives meet with misfortune while the wicked act as they please.
— Doma
Inosuke’s mother, Kotoha Hashibira, ran away from his abusive father when he was still a baby. However, she was quite young and had nowhere else to go. Kotoha ended up reaching Doma’s Eternal Paradise Faith, and he gave shelter to her in his deadly cult. Unbeknownst to her, Doma later killed Kotoha’s husband and mother-in-law after they joined the cult looking for her. In fact, he actually came to like her and decided not to consume her. However, Kotoha eventually found out that Doma devoured his followers and escaped the cult, and he went after her and killed her. Shortly before that, Kotoha dropped her son off a cliff, hoping he would survive, and this is why he was mostly raised by boars. Doma actually had the chance to kill him but didn’t do it.
When Will Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Part 2 Be Released?
The first movie is screening in Japan, and it will hit many theaters in Asian countries in August.In the US, Canada, the UK, South Africa, and India, it will be released only on June 28, 2025. Meanwhile,Australianswill be able to watch the movie a bit earlier,starting September 11.
As for the second movie,no official release window has been revealed yet, but rumors suggest it will be out in 2027, with the third movie releasing in 2029. However, it is more prudent to wait for official information to confirm or deny these rumors.
Demon Slayerisavailable to watch on Crunchyroll, subbed and dubbed in many languages.
Demon Slayer
Based on Koyoharu Gotouge’s shonen manga, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is an action anime set in Japan during the early 20th century. Seeking revenge for the murder of his family while also looking to save his sister, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps as they try to eradicate Demons led by Muzan.
