Analyzing the Hashira Training Arc: Should it have been a Standalone Film?

2024 is set to be an exciting year for Demon Slayer fans and animanga community members with the highly anticipated anime releases. The next installment of the anime series, the Hashira Training arc, has been confirmed to be released in a series format rather than a film. However, there is debate among fans about whether this story arc would have been better suited for a film format. There are numerous reasons why some believe the Hashira Training arc of Demon Slayer should have been presented as a film.

Demon Slayer: Understanding why the Hashira Training arc is better suited for a movie format

Fans are clamoring for a movie adaptation of this arc due to its brevity, with only eight chapters in total. While lacking in action, the chapters contain several intriguing character interactions. The primary focus is on the demon hunters' training to attain the Demon Slayer Marks, with no central villain to defeat. The concept was introduced by Muichiro Tokito and other Hashiras during a Pillar meeting.

With only 8 chapters needing adaptation, the animation studio does not need to produce 12 episodes or a whole cour. Adapting the Demon Slayer Hashira Training arc into a movie format also provides continuity. Rather than releasing a few episodes weekly, a movie will cover the entire arc in about one and a half hours, roughly equivalent to the length of 5-6 episodes.

A still from the Infinity Castle arc of the manga series featuring the main antagonist (Image via Shueisha/Koyoharu Gotouge)

Adapting the next story arc of the Demon Slayer series into a movie format would be the perfect way to transition into the all-out war between the demons and the Demon Slayer Corps, as depicted in the Hashira Training arc.

Official poster of the Mugen Train film (Image via Ufotable)

The production team won't have to speculate about the movie format's reception among fans, as the Mugen Train arc was presented in a movie format. This provides the production team with a solid reference point, offering valuable insights into potential areas for improvement and the necessity of adjusting the manga's pacing for adaptation. With just 13 chapters, the anime series made the bold decision to adapt the arc into a feature film.

As fans await news of the Infinity Castle arc adaption in the Demon Slayer series, it would be logical for the arc to be transformed into episodes for a season. Similar to Jujutsu Kaisen's approach, dedicating a few episodes to one story arc and the rest of the season to a larger, more significant story arc. With no information on the adaptation of the Infinity Castle arc, making the Hashira Training arc a standalone season seems nonsensical. Keep an eye out for more anime and manga news as 2023 unfolds.

Editor's P/S

As a passionate Demon Slayer fan, I strongly believe that the Hashira Training arc should have been presented as a standalone film rather than a series. The arc's brevity, with only eight chapters, makes it perfectly suited for a movie format. The focus on character interactions and training, without a central villain, allows for a more intimate and character-driven narrative that can be effectively explored in a feature-length film.

Furthermore, adapting the Hashira Training arc into a movie would provide continuity and build anticipation for the upcoming Infinity Castle arc. The movie format would allow for a seamless transition into the all-out war between the demons and the Demon Slayer Corps, creating a more impactful and immersive experience for the audience. The success of the Mugen Train arc, which was also adapted into a movie, demonstrates the viability and potential of this approach.