- by Masivuye Mzimkhulu
- on 7 Oct, 2025
When Marlon Wayans, star of the horror‑comedy Him, learned his film had been edged out by an anime blockbuster, his frustration boiled over on a live podcast.
During the first weekend of October 2025, both Him and Demon Slayer: Infinity CastleJapan hit theaters worldwide. While Wayans’ film settled for second place, the anime shattered records, pulling in ¥1.64 billion (about $11.1 million) on its opening day and selling 1.15 million tickets.
Historical Context: Anime’s Rise in Global Theaters
The last decade has seen Japanese animation move from niche merch stalls to prime‑time cinema seats. Hits like Spirited Away and the recent Jujutsu Kaisen series proved that anime can command box office revenues comparable to Hollywood blockbusters. By 2025, studios in Tokyo have begun rolling out simultaneous worldwide releases, targeting markets that once favored live‑action sequels.
That shift set the stage for Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, the latest installment in the wildly popular franchise. Its opening weekend in Japan broke the all‑time opening‑day record, a milestone that reverberated across trade reports and social feeds.
Box Office Clash Details
Both films opened under the same weekend umbrella—October 1–3, 2025. Him, a horror‑comedy that leans heavily on Wayans’ slapstick pedigree, was slated for a wide release in 2,500 North American theaters and a smaller rollout overseas.
Industry insiders noted that the competition was “unfairly stacked.” The anime’s massive fanbase, cultivated through streaming platforms, turned into a theater‑ready crowd, meaning the usual Hollywood‑first weekend boost was diluted. Box‑office trackers reported that while Him earned an estimated $6.2 million domestically, Demon Slayer raked in $12.3 million in Japan alone, with overseas markets adding another $5 million within 48 hours.
Reactions from the Cast
Wayans aired his grievances on the shxt&gigs podcast, a comedy‑talk format that often veers into candid territory. In the clip that went viral, he blurted, “F*** anime! We came at number two… I want to wax your beard off your face!” The outburst sparked a flurry of memes and hot‑takes on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter.
Quick to intervene, co‑star Tyriq Withers warned, “You can’t disrespect anime.” Withers’ reminder softened the tone, and both actors later clarified in separate statements that the comments were made in jest, not as a serious dig at the medium.
Impact on Hollywood vs. Anime
The episode underscored a growing business reality: anime properties are now legitimate box‑office contenders, capable of pulling in multi‑million dollar openings that can eclipse mid‑budget Hollywood fare. Analysts at Variety point out that studios are re‑evaluating release calendars to avoid direct clashes with major anime releases, a strategy previously reserved for competing superhero franchises.
For Wayans, the experience may signal a pivot. In a follow‑up interview with Fiction Horizon, he hinted at exploring voice‑over work for animated projects, noting, “If the world’s watching anime, maybe I should get a piece of that pie.” Such adaptability could prove wise as the lines between live‑action and animation blur.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Both Films?
While Him is expected to maintain a modest run, it could benefit from second‑weekend word‑of‑mouth, especially among fans of Wayans’ earlier work. Meanwhile, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle is slated for a limited release in North America starting October 15, with special fan‑screenings in major cities.
The broader lesson for studios is clear: schedule sensibly, respect the anime juggernaut, and maybe keep the profanity in check.
- Record‑breaking opening day for Demon Slayer: ¥1.64 billion.
- Him post‑opening estimate: $6.2 million US domestic.
- Key players: Marlon Wayans, Tyriq Withers.
- Podcast where comments were made: shxt&gigs.
- Location of anime’s record: Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Marlon Wayans react so strongly to the anime’s success?
Wayans had invested heavily in promoting Him and expected a strong opening weekend. Seeing a different genre dominate the same market triggered a visceral reaction, especially after the anime broke historic records in Japan.
How did the Japanese box office numbers compare to typical Hollywood releases?
The ¥1.64 billion opening day translates to roughly $11.1 million, which rivals the opening day of many mid‑range Hollywood blockbusters. By contrast, Wayans’ film earned about $6 million in its first domestic weekend, highlighting the anime’s comparative strength.
What was Tyriq Withers' response during the podcast?
Withers quickly interjected, saying “You can’t disrespect anime,” effectively calming Wayans and reminding listeners that the comment was out of line, even if meant humorously.
Will this incident affect future release strategies for Hollywood studios?
Industry analysts say studios will likely check anime release calendars when planning mid‑budget releases, to avoid direct competition that could siphon audiences away.
Is there any indication that Wayans might work on an anime project?
In a follow‑up interview, Wayans hinted he’s open to voice‑over roles in animation, suggesting a possible pivot toward the medium that dominated his box‑office weekend.
Steve Goodger
October 7, 2025 AT 21:20It’s fascinating to see how the global market has evolved to the point where an anime can out‑perform a live‑action horror‑comedy, and this shift offers a valuable lesson for creators across the board. The rise of streaming platforms has cultivated dedicated fanbases that translate directly into theater attendance, and that momentum is undeniable. When a film like Him competes with a juggernaut such as Demon Slayer, the playing field is inherently uneven, and recognizing that reality can help us set more realistic expectations. Moreover, the enthusiasm for anime demonstrates how diverse storytelling formats can attract a wide array of audiences, something that all of us in the industry should celebrate rather than resent. It is also worth noting that Wayans’ reaction, while colorful, underscores a broader cultural conversation about the legitimacy of different media forms. By embracing the popularity of anime, Hollywood can explore collaborative opportunities-perhaps even bringing comedic talent into animated projects, which could broaden both fanbases. This cross‑pollination has already shown promise in other contexts, such as animated sitcoms featuring well‑known comedians.
In addition, the data shows that a ¥1.64 billion opening day translates to roughly $11.1 million, a figure that rivals many mid‑budget Hollywood releases, proving that the market is not limited by geography but by the quality of the content. The real takeaway here is that adaptability, openness to new formats, and a willingness to learn from the successes of others will likely determine future sustainability for any studio. As fans, we can support creators who are willing to evolve, and we can also appreciate the craft that goes into both live‑action and animated storytelling. Ultimately, this moment serves as a reminder that the entertainment ecosystem thrives on diversity, and by nurturing that diversity, we all win.