Demon Slayer: Mugen Train has been confirmed for a streaming release on July 22 in both its English dub and its original Japanese audio with English subtitles. This anime feature film is currently the highest-grossing Japanese movie ever made. In the United States, the film only recently dropped out of the box office top 10 after a stunning eight-week run.
The film follows Tanjiro Kamado after his family was murdered and his sister was turned into a demon. Along with his comrades, he sets off on a new mission aboard the Mugen train, as they investigate the mysterious disappearance of over 40 people, on track to despair. The movie acts as a direct sequel to season 1 of the popular anime that aired in 2019. Having surpassed the box office intake of Hayao Miyazaki's classic, Spirited Away, in Japan, becoming the second highest-grossing anime in North America behind Pokemon: The First Movie, and having now made more than $475 million worldwide, Mugen Train is a massive success domestically and internationally.
Collider reports Funimation will be the exclusive home for Mugen Train starting July 22. Those who live in Australia or New Zealand will have to wait until June 23 to see the movie through the Funimation service. The fans who have already seen the film on the big screen and first time viewers will have the convenience of being able to explore this follow-up film from the comfort of their own home. See below for Funimation Global Group's Chief Content Officer Asa Suehira's comment regarding Mugen Train's upcoming release to the platform:
Demon Slayer - Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Movie: Mugen Train has been a runaway success since it opened last year, galvanizing fans and attracting a whole new generation to anime. We know Funimation fans are eager to experience the electrifying story again, and we’re thrilled to add it to our service. With the addition of the movie, fans can take a deep dive into the franchise watching the first season of the television series, three special television episodes and now the feature-length film from their homes or on the go. What a tremendous partnership with Aniplex of America, Shueisha, ufotable and, of course, our community of fans.
Having originally debuted in the pages of Shonen Jump, Demon Slayer has continually increased in popularity. A second season of the series has yet to be announced. However, fans are sure to be even more excited for it after seeing the film that leaves viewers with a series of unanswered questions and a lead-in for season 2.
The success of Mugen Train once again proves that anime films can perform well on the big screen with western audiences. This news comes after Funimation purchased Crunchyroll back in December 2020, making the news of the streaming rights going to Funimation an even bigger deal. While Netflix has been focusing a lot on creating original anime series of their own, Funimation certainly has cornered the majority of acquired anime content. Demon Slayer: Mugen Train is sure to be a continued hit on the Funimation platform.
Source: Collider