Why Ufotable's decision to turn Demon Slayer's Infinity Castle arc into a trilogy of films makes sense

Onto a bigger and more explosive finale

Image credit: Ufotable

News by Trent Cannon Contributor

Published on July 1, 2024

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When you are trying to adapt the climax of one of the most popular manga series ever made, you have to go big or go home. Ufotable, the studio that has been bringing us the anime adaptation of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba since the very first episode, has opted to go big. As the final episode of Demon Slayer season four aired on June 30, 2024, they announced a trilogy of films that would bring the story of Demon Slayer to an end.

While the announcement that we’re getting three new Demon Slayer films to tackle the Infinity Castle arc – and the emotional epilogue – of the manga caught a lot of us off-guard, it makes sense when you sit back and think about it. Demon Slayer – Kimetsu no Yaiba: The Movie – Mugen Train remains the highest-grossing film of all time at the Japanese box office, so there is certainly a financial incentive behind the decision. It will also justify a larger budget for a shorter runtime than Ufotable would get for a new season, so it will allow the animators to deliver something truly spectacular to wrap up the series.

The downside, of course, is that this means season four episode eight of Demon Slayer was technically the last episode of the series, even if it isn’t the last we’ll see of Tanjiro and the rest of the Demon Slayer Corps.

No release date has been announced for any of the three final Demon Slayer films coming our way, but it was confirmed that Crunchyroll has already secured the international release rights for them. Just like Mugen Train and the two recap films that have been released so far, this means those of us in the West should look forward to seeing the Demon Slayer trilogy of films on the big screen as they were intended.

Slay on, Demon Slayer. As we prep for new installments of the Demon Slayer anime, here's a survival kit to help you. First, a guide to all the major Demon Slayer characters. Second, recommendations for how (and where) to watch all of Demon Slayer. Third, context of why Demon Slayer is so popular. Fourth, when we think Demon Slayer season 4 is coming out. And also, how Demon Slayer ends (at least in the manga).

And as a bonus, you can watch the full NYCC Demon Slayer panel with the voice cast.