A compilation film from the second season of the popular anime series Jujutsu Kaisen, titled JUJUTSU KAISEN Hidden Inventory / Premature Death, has garnered an impressive US$2,551,167 in its initial two-day U.S. theatrical run. The movie, which covers the “Hidden Inventory / Premature Death” (“Kaigyoku/Gyokusetsu”) arc, was screened by GKIDS on July 16 and 17.
Strong Debut in the U.S. Box Office
The film demonstrated strong performance during its limited screenings, securing the #4 spot on July 16 with earnings of US$1,344,162 and the #5 spot on July 17 with US$1,207,005. These figures highlight the significant and growing appetite for anime films among American audiences. The screenings were available in both Japanese with English subtitles and English-dubbed formats, catering to a wider range of viewers.
GKIDS and Crunchyroll’s Distribution Efforts
GKIDS was responsible for the U.S. theatrical release of the compilation film. Meanwhile, Crunchyroll, a major distributor of anime, announced at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival that it will also be screening the film in various international territories, including France, Germany, the U.K., Latin America, and Australia, later this summer. Details regarding specific release dates for these regions are expected to be announced soon.
The “Hidden Inventory / Premature Death” Arc
The compilation film revisits the “Hidden Inventory / Premature Death” arc, which constituted the first half of Jujutsu Kaisen‘s second television anime season. This arc delves into the past of key characters Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto during their time as students at Jujutsu High. The anime’s second season premiered in July 2023 and ran for two cours, adapting both this arc and the subsequent “Shibuya Incident” arc.
Musical Contributions to the Film
The theme song for the JUJUTSU KAISEN Hidden Inventory / Premature Death compilation film is an acoustic rendition of “Ao no Sumika” by Tatsuya Kitani. This song originally served as the opening theme for the anime’s second season, further connecting the film to the beloved television series.
Jujutsu Kaisen 0 Precedent for Theatrical Success
The strong performance of the current compilation film follows the notable success of the prequel movie, Jujutsu Kaisen 0. Released in Japan on December 24, 2021, and in North America on March 18, 2022, Jujutsu Kaisen 0 was a massive box office hit. It opened with an estimated $17.7 million in its opening weekend in North America, finishing second only to The Batman. By April 2022, Jujutsu Kaisen 0 had already surpassed $30 million at the U.S. box office, becoming the fourth-highest-grossing anime title ever in the U.S. at that time. Globally, the film earned over US$196.2 million, making it one of the highest-earning anime films worldwide.
The continued success of Jujutsu Kaisen films in the U.S. market underscores the growing mainstream appeal of anime, demonstrating that these cinematic adaptations can compete effectively with major Hollywood releases. Crunchyroll has been instrumental in bringing these films to North American audiences, screening Jujutsu Kaisen 0 in over 1,500 theaters nationwide, including select IMAX locations.
