San Diego Comic-Con 2025 is set to host a landmark event for anime enthusiasts, as the globally celebrated Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba franchise announces a star-studded panel in the prestigious Hall H. Confirmed attendees include musical sensation LiSA, the iconic voice of Tanjiro Kamado, Natsuki Hanae, and key representatives from the revered animation studio ufotable, marking a significant return for the anime powerhouse to U.S. shores.
This highly anticipated panel promises an exclusive deep dive into the forthcoming Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle film, offering attendees a sneak peek at never-before-seen footage. The event underscores the immense global impact of the series and its continued prominence in the pop culture landscape.
A Gathering of Pillars: Who’s Attending the Panel?
The Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle panel is scheduled for Saturday, July 26, at 5:45 p.m. PDT, within the expansive Hall H of the San Diego Convention Center. Hall H, known for hosting some of the biggest reveals and most sought-after guests in entertainment, boasts a capacity of 6,500 seats, ensuring a monumental audience for this significant anime presentation.
The roster of confirmed guests reads like a who’s who of Demon Slayer‘s creative backbone:
- Haruo Sotozaki: The acclaimed director behind the Demon Slayer anime series and films.
- Yuichi Terao: Director of Photography at ufotable, instrumental in crafting the series’ distinctive visual flair.
- Natsuki Hanae: The Japanese voice actor who masterfully brings protagonist Tanjiro Kamado to life.
- Aleks Le: The English voice actor for Zenitsu Agatsuma, a beloved character in the Demon Slayer universe.
- LiSA: The celebrated theme song artist whose powerful vocals have become synonymous with the franchise.
This assembly of talent is poised to offer unparalleled insights into the making of the Infinity Castle film and the broader Demon Slayer phenomenon. The presence of ufotable representatives, in particular, is noteworthy as it marks their first visit to a U.S. event since the original anime series debuted in 2019.
The Significance of the Infinity Castle Arc
The Infinity Castle arc represents a pivotal and climactic sequence in the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba narrative. It plunges Tanjiro and the Demon Slayer Corps into an all-out battle against Muzan Kibutsuji and his most formidable Upper Rank demons. The manga arc is renowned for its intense, simultaneous battles, a crumbling, disorienting setting, and the ultimate confrontation with the progenitor of all demons.
The decision to adapt this arc into a three-part cinematic trilogy underscores its narrative weight and complexity. The first Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle film is set to premiere in Japan on July 18, 2025, followed by its release in the United States and Canada on September 12, 2025, distributed by Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment. Fans can expect an immersive and visually stunning adaptation, a hallmark of ufotable’s work, which is often praised for elevating the source material’s visual aesthetic.
LiSA: The Voice of a Generation
LiSA, whose real name is Risa Oribe, has become an undeniable force in the anime music landscape, her voice intricately woven into the very fabric of Demon Slayer. She is most famously known for performing “Gurenge,” the electrifying first opening theme for the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba TV anime, which became a monumental success, recognized as the best-selling song of Japan’s Reiwa Era and the most-played Japanese song overseas on Spotify in 2020.
Beyond “Gurenge,” LiSA’s contributions to the franchise include “Homura,” the poignant theme song for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train, and “Akeboshi,” another powerful opening. Her ability to infuse songs with raw emotion and high energy has made her an international icon, capable of transcending language barriers and uniting fans through music. Her previous appearance at San Diego Comic-Con, part of the Crunchyroll Concert Series, further solidified her connection with the Western fanbase.
Natsuki Hanae: Embodying Tanjiro’s Spirit
Natsuki Hanae is celebrated as the voice of Tanjiro Kamado, the determined and compassionate protagonist of Demon Slayer. His portrayal has been consistently praised for its exceptional vocal range and expressive performances, capturing every nuance of Tanjiro’s journey—from his initial despair and resolve to his unwavering kindness and fierce determination. Hanae’s ability to convey complex emotions has significantly contributed to Tanjiro’s relatability and the character’s profound impact on audiences worldwide.
Beyond Demon Slayer, Hanae boasts an impressive resume with leading roles in other prominent anime series such as Ken Kaneki in Tokyo Ghoul and Kosei Arima in Your Lie in April. His presence at the Comic-Con panel will offer fans a unique opportunity to hear directly from the voice behind one of anime’s most beloved heroes, gaining insights into his process and connection with the character.
Ufotable: A Visionary Animation Powerhouse
Ufotable Inc. is the animation studio largely credited with transforming Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba from a popular manga into a global phenomenon. Founded in 2000, the studio has built a formidable reputation for its distinctive visual style, meticulous attention to detail, and breathtaking action sequences. Their work on Demon Slayer has been lauded for its fluid animation, dynamic camera work, and stunning effects, particularly in depicting the various breathing techniques and demon blood arts.
While some critics acknowledge that the manga’s art style was not initially considered the pinnacle of the medium, ufotable’s adaptation “elevated” it, bringing an unparalleled visual aesthetic and immersive quality that captivated millions. Their track record includes critically acclaimed adaptations of the Fate series, such as Fate/Zero and Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works, demonstrating a consistent standard of high-level production. The Infinity Castle arc, with its inherently chaotic and visually complex scenes, is expected to be another showcase of ufotable’s animation mastery, preventing what could be visual clutter from becoming a confusing mess.
The Broader Impact on San Diego Comic-Con
The inclusion of such a high-profile Demon Slayer panel in Hall H further solidifies anime’s growing presence and importance at major international pop culture conventions like San Diego Comic-Con. SDCC 2025 itself runs from July 24 to July 27, with a preview night on July 23, promising a packed schedule of panels, celebrity appearances, and exclusive merchandise.
Crunchyroll, a key player in bringing Demon Slayer to global audiences, will also host interactive activities at their booth (#4135) throughout the convention, further engaging fans with the world of Infinity Castle. This robust presence highlights the increasing demand for anime content and experiences at conventions traditionally dominated by Western comics and film. The Demon Slayer panel is not just an event for fans; it is a testament to the anime industry’s expanding influence and its ability to draw massive, passionate crowds to global stages.
