Marlon Wayans didn’t hold back after his new film Him lost its opening weekend battle to the anime blockbuster Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle. Despite high hopes, the psychological horror wrapped its theatrical run with $25.2 million in total earnings, well below its production cost. Reacting to the outcome during a podcast appearance, Wayans jokingly vented his frustration.
Marlon Wayans reacts to Demon Slayer taking over Him
Marlon Wayans didn’t hide his disappointment when his latest film, Him, was overshadowed by the anime blockbuster Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle. During a candid appearance on the ShxtsnGigs Podcast, Wayans jokingly lashed out at the box office results. He said, “Can I say it? F*** anime! We came at number two! Him first! F*** anime!”
The actor added, “I was up against it. Him came out that same week against whatever it was… Demon Slayer! I want to wax your beard off your face!” Wayans’ co-star, Tyriq Withers, quickly stepped in with a reminder that “you can’t disrespect anime.”
Produced by Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions, Him was Wayans’s significant shift from comedy to psychological drama. However, the film earned $13.5 million domestically and $13.86 million worldwide, which was far below its $27 million production budget. Meanwhile, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle dominated the box office, pulling in an astonishing $70 million globally in just its first three days, according to Crunchyroll.
Critics and audience response didn’t help Him’s case either. The film earned a 31% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 5.1 IMDb rating. Meanwhile, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle received glowing reviews, including an 8.5 on IMDb and a 4.7 from Crunchyroll audiences.
People also reacted humorously to Wayans’ comparison between Him and Demon Slayer. One user commented on X (formerly Twitter), “Maybe put some intense fighting and tragic backstory in your movie, then you’ll be as successful.” Another commented, “Then Tyrique whispered in his ear dawg. ya can’t be saying that about anime man.”
