The recent release of the volleyball anime movie Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle has caused quite a stir in the box office, with $800K in previews on its opening day. This comes at a time when the industry is dominated by big-budget blockbusters and sequels. Let’s take a closer look at how this new anime film is performing and what it means for the industry as a whole.
Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle, produced by Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures, is a highly anticipated movie in the world of anime. The story follows Shoyo Hinata as he joins Karasuno High’s volleyball club and must team up with his former rival, Tobio Kageyama, to defeat their opponents in a fierce volleyball match. Based on the original Weekly Shonen Jump manga series, Haikyu!! has a dedicated fan base that eagerly awaited the release of this movie.
Despite the hype surrounding Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle, the movie is only expected to perform modestly in its opening weekend. With previews bringing in $800K and screenings at 1,119 locations, the film is projected to make only single digits at the box office. This stands in stark contrast to other wide releases such as The Garfield Movie and Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, which are expected to dominate the box office this weekend.
The success or failure of Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle at the box office could have broader implications for the anime industry. As more anime films make their way into theaters, it becomes increasingly important for them to perform well financially. This will determine whether studios continue to invest in anime adaptations and original projects in the future.
In addition to Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle, other movies have also made their way to theaters this weekend. IFC’s horror movie, In a Violent Nature, is their widest release to date with 1,400 locations. Roadside Attractions’ Summer Camp and Bleecker Street’s Ezra are also vying for attention in the crowded box office landscape. These diverse offerings show the range of films available to audiences this weekend.
The release of Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle and other new movies this weekend demonstrates the diversity of stories being told in theaters. While some films may struggle to find an audience, others like Haikyu!! have a dedicated fan base that will support them regardless of box office performance. As the anime industry continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how these new releases shape the future of the industry as a whole.