Crunchyroll’s 2027 Anime Release Slate Could Make Sony a Box Office Leader

Avatar photoValentina Kraljik
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Over the past year, anime has emerged as a significant force at the global box office, with theatrical releases achieving figures typically reserved for major studio blockbusters. This transformation is largely attributed to Crunchyroll’s bold theatrical strategy, highlighted by the unprecedented success of ‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba: Infinity Castle.’

The first ‘Infinity Castle’ film alone has amassed over $778 million worldwide, establishing Crunchyroll and its parent company Sony as serious contenders in the theatrical film market, rather than just a niche streaming service dabbling in movie releases. With such momentum, all eyes are now on what Crunchyroll has in store for 2027.

Reports indicate that Crunchyroll is preparing to launch four major anime films next year, a lineup that could position Sony for some of the biggest global hits of 2027. The anticipated slate includes ‘Witch on the Holy Night’ set for January 29, ‘Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle 2’ with a tentative date of September 18, and ‘Solo Leveling: Beyond the System’ aiming for an October release, while a fourth film is yet to be confirmed.

Among the three announced titles, ‘Witch on the Holy Night’ has a confirmed release date. Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment have announced that the film will debut exclusively in U.S. and Canadian theaters on January 29. It adapts Kinoko Nasu’s 2012 Type-Moon visual novel and is animated by ufotable, the same studio responsible for ‘Infinity Castle.’ The narrative follows apprentice magician Aoko Aozaki as her tranquil life is disrupted by a mysterious boy, featuring the original Japanese voice cast for both subtitled and English dub versions.

‘Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle 2’ is the most eagerly awaited title, yet Ufotable has been cautious about confirming a release window. Earlier this year, the studio stated that the sequel would not be released in 2026, placing it among its “future projects” and indicating a 2027 release at the earliest, especially considering that the first film took about three and a half years to complete production.

Similarly, ‘Solo Leveling: Beyond the System’ was officially announced by Aniplex and Crunchyroll during Anime Expo 2026. It is described as a theatrical bridge between Season 2 and a forthcoming Season 3, once again animated by A-1 Pictures. While a 2027 release has been confirmed, no specific month or date has been publicly locked in, leaving fans to speculate about when Sung Jinwoo’s next chapter will arrive on screens.

With one film still unannounced and two of the three named titles awaiting official date confirmations, Crunchyroll’s 2027 slate is poised to be one of the most closely monitored theatrical calendars in the anime industry. If even a fraction of these releases perform anywhere near the success of ‘Infinity Castle,’ Sony could be on track for one of its strongest theatrical years in recent history, whether in anime or other genres.

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