This weekend’s box office brought an unexpected twist. While Hollywood expected Bruce Springsteen’s biopic Deliver Me From Nowhere to draw in fans of The Boss, it was Japan’s Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc that revved up audiences and cut through the competition.
Opening to a powerful $17 million, Chainsaw Man claimed the number one spot in North America. The animated action film, based on Tatsuki Fujimoto’s hit manga and produced by MAPPA, proved that anime continues to be a growing force in global cinema. Long lines at select screenings and a strong “A” CinemaScore reveal that fans weren’t just curious—they were thrilled.
The success follows a recent wave of high-performing anime releases, solidifying the genre’s mainstream appeal. From Demon Slayer to Jujutsu Kaisen, Japanese animation is breaking out of niche circles and becoming a reliable box-office powerhouse. With its high-energy visuals and emotional story arc, Reze Arc looks poised to maintain strong momentum in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere stumbled with an estimated $9 million debut. The drama explores the making of Springsteen’s haunting 1982 album Nebraska, portraying a darker, more introspective side of the rock legend. Despite strong performances and critical respect, the film failed to resonate widely with theatergoers. Its “B+” CinemaScore suggests audiences admired the craft but weren’t inspired to spread the word.
Industry analysts note the divide between the two openings as symbolic of shifting audience tastes. The rising generation of moviegoers—many raised on streaming and anime—are increasingly drawn to stylized, emotionally charged visual storytelling, while older-skewing dramas face a tougher climb at the multiplex.
Still, the race isn’t over. Springsteen may find a second wind through awards buzz or streaming, while Chainsaw Man continues to slice its way through records both domestically and abroad.
For now, though, it’s clear: the roar of the chainsaw has drowned out the sound of the guitar.
