Demon Slayer Walked So Chainsaw Man Could Run: How Movies Are Changing the Anime Formula

A little under three years ago, Chainsaw Man's anime adaptation finally hit television screens, ending the season right before the Reze Arc. Instead of a Season 2, though, Chainsaw Man's anime plans to move forward with a theatrical film in 2025. While many anime series have received theatrical films, oftentimes those films are original and do not directly impact the series' canon. This way, those unfamiliar with the anime can still see said films without needing to know what happened in the series prior. This also gives the films a lot more wiggle room for creative decisions and big moves.

For instance, in the film My Hero Academia: Heroes: Rising, Bakugoinherits All For One, but this is temporary and something that does not happen in the manga, nor does it impact the events of the anime series so far. While this is often the case, there has been a recent shift to adapt certain manga arcs for film first before breaking them down into episodes for an anime's next season. Demon Slayerdid this to great success with Mugen Train, and now, Chainsaw Man is following in its footsteps.

Demon Slayer’s Film Proved In Continuity Films Are Beneficial, Both Storywise and Financially

Demon Slayer: Mugen Train Broke Multiple Box Office Records

One of the most popular shonen series currently coming out, Demon Slayer'sfirst season won the hearts of many anime watchers. However, instead of developing a second season, Demon Slayer took a risk and adapted the "Mugen Train"arc as a feature film, which makes perfect sense in hindsight. The arc itself is short. Where the first season covered from the first volume to the seventh volume, Mugen Train is just over one volume between Chapters 54 and 66.

Along with that, many of the Hashira play a role in the events of the finale, but Rengoku's story starts and ends with Mugen Train, even though he was briefly introduced in Season 1 with the other Hashira. While seeing the first season prior to the film helps inform some details -- like what exactly happened to Tanjiro's family -- for the most part, Mugen Train stands solidly on its own as a film, which means new viewers can enjoy it alongside longtime fans. In fact, the high quality and stand-alone nature of the movie can even make new viewers lifelong Demon Slayer fans who may now watch the series or check out the manga.

That seems to be the case for Demon Slayer's first film, as it broke several records. As of 2024, Demon Slayer: Mugen Train is still the highest grossing anime film of all time. The film debuted domestically at $21 million and worldwide at $450 million, despite the film coming out right when theaters just began re-opening during the COVID-19 pandemic. While Demon Slayer: Mugen Train was a bold risk, it paid off, inspiring other anime to follow in its footsteps. Adapting canon arcs to film first seems to be the best move for some series, as will be the case for Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc, which will hopefully get a 2025 release announcement in March.

Chainsaw Man's Next Arc Better Suits A Film Than a Televised Series

Chainsaw Man's Reze Arc Is Too Short For A Full Season

Reze holding a flower from the newest Chainsaw Man - the Movie: Reze Arc trailer.

Taking a page out of Demon Slayer's book,Chainsaw Man is opting for a film first before a second season. This arc -- like Mugen Train -- suits a film adaptation better than a full season. Like Mugen Train, the "Reze" arc is not long enough to be a full season. Along with that, much of the information introduced in this arc is contained solely within this arc. While some elements and characters will play a role in later arcs to varying degrees, as a whole the "Reze" arc stands on its own.

Similar to Mugen Train, Chainsaw Man always impresses with its animation. Based on Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc's first full trailer, this film will not be holding back. With plenty of action in store, as well as a new love story in Denji's future, there's enough in this arc to make a compelling film. Plus, with the romance introducing a new character, the titular Reze, this film could be an easy entry point for new viewers, especially after seeing how Mugen Train's Rengoku won over the hearts of new and old fans despite barely being in the anime series until this film.

Based on Demon Slayer: Mugen Train's past success, as well as the popularity of the manga and anime series, it's understandable for Chainsaw Man's next arc to be a film instead of a traditional season. The Chainsaw Man movie may even fix some of the problems in the anime series. Chainsaw Man is a revolutionary series, so it's unsurprising that it would take a risk like this, but said risk is also not as high as it once was considering the example set by Demon Slayer.