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Aniplex boss wants Demon Slayer to be around for the next “50 to 100 years”
Aniplex chairman Atsuhiro Iwakami wants the Demon Slayer franchise to continue for decades, potentially as long as 50 to 100 years. His ambition reflects a plan to build a lasting property in the mould of long-running entertainment franchises such as Star Wars and Marvel.
The manga’s central story has ended, and the planned film trilogy is expected to conclude it, likely before 2030. Aniplex could continue the franchise through spin-offs and side stories; meanwhile, the second Infinity Castle film is in production, but its release date has not been announced.
In short
- Aniplex hopes Demon Slayer can last up to a century.
- The manga’s main story has concluded.
- The second Infinity Castle film is in production.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A long-running Demon Slayer franchise could let new generations enjoy its world through spin-offs and side stories after the central story concludes. If future projects are thoughtfully made, they could sustain fan interest, create work for artists and keep a successful Japanese cultural property visible internationally.
The case against
Extending the franchise for decades could risk prioritising commercial longevity over the story’s natural ending and the quality that made it popular. Fans may prefer the creators to leave the central narrative complete rather than produce material that feels repetitive or less faithful to its original vision.