San Diego Comic-Con 2025 is set to host one of its most anticipated anime events, with the globally acclaimed Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba franchise taking center stage in the prestigious Hall H. Fans will have an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the world of the Demon Slayer Corps with an exclusive panel featuring key figures behind the series’ monumental success, including celebrated singer LiSA, Tanjiro Kamado’s Japanese voice actor Natsuki Hanae, and representatives from the renowned animation studio ufotable. This appearance marks a significant moment, as it will be the first time ufotable’s team has attended a U.S. event since the anime’s initial premiere in 2019.
The Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle panel is scheduled for Saturday, July 26, at 5:45 p.m. PDT, promising an evening filled with insights and exclusive revelations for the thousands gathered in Hall H. The panel will specifically focus on the upcoming Infinity Castle cinematic project, offering attendees a sneak peek at exclusive footage from the highly anticipated film. This star-studded gathering underscores the immense impact and continued global expansion of the Demon Slayer universe, a franchise that has captivated millions with its breathtaking animation, compelling narrative, and unforgettable characters.
The Return of Ufotable to U.S. Shores
A highlight of the upcoming San Diego Comic-Con panel is the rare appearance of representatives from ufotable, the animation studio behind Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba‘s stunning visual quality. Known for its meticulously detailed animation, dynamic action sequences, and innovative digital effects, ufotable has been instrumental in elevating Demon Slayer from a popular manga into a worldwide phenomenon. Their attendance at SDCC 2025 signifies a rare direct engagement with their devoted U.S. fanbase, an occurrence that hasn’t happened since the anime’s debut in 2019.
The studio, under the direction of Haruo Sotozaki, has consistently pushed the boundaries of anime production, creating a visual feast that has garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards. The Infinity Castle arc, renowned in the manga for its intense battles and pivotal plot developments, is expected to receive ufotable’s signature cinematic treatment, promising an even grander scale of animation. The presence of Director Haruo Sotozaki himself, along with Director of Photography Yuichi Terao, offers fans a unique opportunity to hear directly from the creative minds responsible for the series’ distinctive aesthetic and visual storytelling. Their insights into the animation process, the challenges of adapting such a complex arc, and their creative vision for the Infinity Castle movie are sure to be invaluable for aspiring animators, industry professionals, and devoted fans alike. This direct interaction between the creators and the audience fosters a deeper appreciation for the artistry and dedication that goes into bringing the Demon Slayer world to life.
The Voices and Music That Define Demon Slayer
Beyond the visual spectacle, Demon Slayer owes much of its emotional resonance and enduring appeal to its exceptional voice cast and powerful musical scores. The SDCC panel will feature Natsuki Hanae, the esteemed Japanese voice actor for the protagonist, Tanjiro Kamado. Hanae’s performance has been lauded for capturing Tanjiro’s unwavering resolve, compassion, and internal struggles, making him a deeply relatable and beloved character. His ability to convey a vast range of emotions, from earnest determination to heartbreaking sorrow, has anchored the series’ emotional core. Fans can anticipate hearing his perspectives on developing Tanjiro’s character, memorable recording experiences, and the evolution of the role as the story progresses into the climactic Infinity Castle arc. The panel will also include Aleks Le, the English voice actor for Zenitsu Agatsuma, offering a bilingual perspective on the show’s vocal performances and its global appeal.
Adding another layer of anticipation is the attendance of LiSA, the celebrated Japanese singer whose powerful and emotive theme songs have become synonymous with the Demon Slayer franchise. Her tracks, such as “Gurenge” and “Homura,” have not only topped charts worldwide but have also become anthems for the series, perfectly capturing its themes of resilience, sacrifice, and the fight against despair. LiSA’s music has transcended the anime community, reaching a broader global audience and contributing significantly to Demon Slayer‘s mainstream success. Her presence at the panel offers a rare chance to hear about her creative process in crafting these iconic songs, her connection to the series’ narrative, and perhaps even a live performance or a special announcement related to the Infinity Castle movie’s soundtrack. LiSA previously performed at the “Crunchyroll Concert Series” at last year’s San Diego Comic-Con, marking her first U.S. performance since 2015, highlighting her growing engagement with her international fanbase.
The Dawn of the Infinity Castle Saga
The primary focus of the Demon Slayer panel at SDCC 2025 will be the highly anticipated Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle film project. This cinematic endeavor marks a pivotal moment in the Demon Slayer narrative, adapting the critical Infinity Castle arc from Koyoharu Gotoge’s original manga. The Infinity Castle is the stronghold of Muzan Kibutsuji, the progenitor of all demons, and the setting for the climactic final battle between the Demon Slayer Corps and the Twelve Kizuki.
The Infinity Castle project is confirmed to be a three-part cinematic movie series, a testament to the arc’s expansive and action-packed nature. The first film in this trilogy is set to premiere in Japan on July 18, 2025, opening on a franchise-record 443 screens across the country and boasting the longest runtime of any Demon Slayer film to date, surpassing Mugen Train by 38 minutes. Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment are spearheading the international release, with the film slated to begin its global rollout in August, followed by screenings in North America (including the United States and Canada) starting September 12, 2025. This staggered release strategy aims to maximize the film’s reach and impact worldwide.
The Infinity Castle arc promises to be an emotional and action-packed culmination of Tanjiro’s journey, as he and the Hashira confront Muzan and his most powerful demons in a desperate struggle for humanity’s future. The panel is expected to delve into the challenges of bringing such a monumental storyline to the big screen, the creative decisions made in adapting the manga, and the enhanced animation techniques employed by ufotable to capture the arc’s intensity. The exclusive footage presentation at the panel will offer the first international glimpse of these cinematic sequences outside of Japan, building immense excitement among fans eager to witness this pivotal chapter unfold.
The San Diego Comic-Con Experience: Beyond the Panel
San Diego Comic-Con International, held from Thursday, July 24, through Sunday, July 27, 2025, at the San Diego Convention Center, is a global nexus for pop culture enthusiasts. The Demon Slayer panel’s placement in Hall H, the convention’s largest venue with a capacity of 6,500 seats, underscores the franchise’s colossal popularity and the high demand for this event. Securing a spot in Hall H is often a competitive endeavor, reflecting the fervent dedication of the Demon Slayer fanbase.
Beyond the main panel, Crunchyroll, a major distributor of the Demon Slayer anime, will enhance the Comic-Con experience with interactive activities inspired by the Infinity Castle movie at their booth (#4135). These activities often include photo opportunities, exclusive merchandise, and immersive displays that allow fans to step directly into the world of their favorite anime. The presence of Demon Slayer-themed advertisements and wrapped trolley cars weeks in advance of the convention further highlights the franchise’s significant footprint at SDCC 2025, signaling a comprehensive and engaging presence for attendees. Fans can expect an immersive experience that extends beyond the panel, offering multiple avenues to celebrate their passion for Demon Slayer.
A Global Phenomenon: Anticipation and Impact
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba has transcended its origins to become a global cultural phenomenon, influencing anime, manga, and mainstream entertainment worldwide. Its captivating narrative, memorable characters, and groundbreaking animation have garnered a massive following, leading to record-breaking box office success for its films and immense popularity for its television series. The SDCC 2025 panel serves as a crucial touchpoint for the franchise, not only celebrating its achievements but also generating heightened anticipation for the Infinity Castle movie trilogy.
The collaboration between Crunchyroll, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and ufotable exemplifies the strategic efforts to bring Demon Slayer to a global audience on an “unprecedented” scale, as teased by Crunchyroll’s Chief Content Officer. The panel’s guests, representing the diverse talents that contribute to the series’ success—from directorial vision and voice acting to musical composition—offer a holistic view of the creative power behind Demon Slayer. As the Infinity Castle arc represents the culmination of years of storytelling, the insights shared at Comic-Con will be invaluable for fans preparing for the final, epic confrontations. The event solidifies Demon Slayer‘s position as a cornerstone of modern pop culture and promises to be an unforgettable highlight of San Diego Comic-Con 2025 for its legions of dedicated followers.
