Sony Uses Crunchyroll IP for Global Box Office Wins
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- Sanford Panitch said at Cannes Marche that “no global IP has ever been created by a streaming service,” highlighting the unique value of Japanese‑origin franchises for theatrical success.
- Sony has chosen to act as a content supplier to global streaming platforms rather than launch its own service, leveraging its ownership of Crunchyroll and Aniplex.
- Crunchyroll‑originated movies such as Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba The Movie: Infinity Castle and Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc have posted strong worldwide box‑office returns.
- Sony announced upcoming global releases based on Japanese IP, including Resident Evil, The Legend of Zelda and director Takashi Yamazaki’s Hollywood debut Grandgear.
Why it matters: Sony’s 20 million Crunchyroll subscriber base fuels global box‑office hits, delivering new revenue for Sony and theaters while Netflix grapples with shareholder pressure after a 10% stock decline.
