Fans flock to IMAX theaters for 'Demon Slayer' opening

Fans rushed to IMAX theaters for the new "Demon Slayer" release, helping the film set a new IMAX box office record in China with a US$12.3 million opening weekend.

Audiences flocked to 745 IMAX theaters to experience “Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle,” making IMAX the go-to destination. These screens, representing just 1% of the national total, contributed a staggering 23% of the film's nationwide box office. 

IMAX's dominance was clear, as they made up 86 of the top 100 highest-grossing cinemas, with one in every five tickets sold being for IMAX.

Audiences flock to 745 IMAX theaters to experience “Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle.”File photo

The hype revived the long-dormant tradition of midnight screenings. IMAX captured 38% of the nationwide box office for these shows, grossing US$1 million and setting a new record for a Japanese film in China. The demand was evident from the start, with IMAX claiming 48% of the film's nationwide pre-sales within 24 hours.

“Pre-sales and midnight screenings are typically driven by the core fanbase, who hold the highest standards for how their favorite IP is experienced on the big screen,” said Daniel Manwaring, CEO of IMAX China.

Following “”Demon Slayer,” IMAX China will roll out a diverse slate of titles, including Bi Gan's “Resurrection,” Disney's “Zootopia 2,” “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” and Shen Ao's blockbuster “Escape From the Outland.”

captions: Cosplayers pose for a photo at a movie theater in Shanghai on Nov. 13, ahead of the screening of "Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle."

"Demon Slayer" set a new IMAX box office record in China with a US$12.3 million opening weekend.