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Aniplex Signals Willingness to Use AI in Anime Production, Raising Questions for Demon Slayer and Solo Leveling
Aniplex, the Sony‑owned studio that co‑produces the hit anime Demon Slayer and the upcoming Solo Leveling film, has said it is open to using generative AI tools if they prove beneficial to creators. The comment came from Aniplex president Nishimoto Shu in a July 8 interview with Variety.
Aniplex’s statement follows a broader industry debate about the role of AI in animation. Anime production is labor‑intensive, with thousands of hand‑drawn frames required for each episode. Critics argue that AI threatens the livelihood of artists, a view echoed by a survey cited by theoutpost.ai, which reported that 88.6 % of creators see the technology as a threat. In contrast, Aniplex’s president said the company would consider AI “carefully” if it has a positive impact on creators’ work.
The studio’s involvement in high‑profile projects gives the comment weight. Aniplex sits on the production committee for Demon Slayer, which has produced two of the highest‑grossing anime films of all time—Mugen Train (2020) and Infinity Castle (2025). It also co‑produces the Solo Leveling anime, which premiered in early 2024 and will receive a sequel film, Beyond the System, in 2026.
While Aniplex signals openness, other key partners have taken a firmer stance. Ufotable, the studio that animates Demon Slayer, publicly confirmed in January 2026 that it will not use AI in future projects, emphasizing a commitment to hand‑drawn artistry. The contrast illustrates the diversity of approaches within the same production committee.
Evidence of early experimentation appears in the trailer for the Solo Leveling film. The clip features heavy 3D CGI that blends realistic‑looking imagery with the series’ traditional 2D style—a combination that some observers interpret as an early AI‑driven approach. The studio’s role in the production committee suggests that such experiments may be under consideration, though it is unclear whether any AI‑generated content will appear in the final cut.
Aniplex’s openness also aligns with Sony’s broader AI initiatives. Sony has announced the development of “AnimeCanvas,” a new animation production software that incorporates AI, and has partnered with its subsidiaries A‑1 Pictures and CloverWorks to explore the technology. The company’s investment in AI tools signals a strategic interest in improving production efficiency, even as it maintains a cautious stance on creative output.
Industry analysts note that AI’s potential to streamline repetitive tasks—such as in‑between frames, background painting, or color correction—could reduce costs and accelerate delivery times. However, the artistic integrity of anime, prized for its hand‑crafted detail, remains a central concern for creators and fans alike.
Looking ahead, the Demon Slayer film trilogy, which began with Infinity Castle in July 2025, is slated for release through 2026. The Solo Leveling film, announced for 2026, will be followed by a Korean drama adaptation in development. Whether AI will play a role in these projects remains to be seen, but Aniplex’s statement suggests that the studio is prepared to evaluate the technology as it evolves.
In summary, Aniplex has signaled a willingness to explore AI tools in anime production, a stance that contrasts with some of its partners’ current policies. The studio’s involvement in major franchises like Demon Slayer and Solo Leveling means that any adoption of AI could have significant industry implications. As the technology matures, studios will likely weigh the benefits of increased efficiency against the preservation of traditional animation craftsmanship.
Aniplex’s statement follows a broader industry debate about the role of AI in animation. Anime production is labor‑intensive, with thousands of hand‑drawn frames required for each episode. Critics argue that AI threatens the livelihood of artists, a view echoed by a survey cited by theoutpost.ai, which reported that 88.6 % of creators see the technology as a threat. In contrast, Aniplex’s president said the company would consider AI “carefully” if it has a positive impact on creators’ work.
The studio’s involvement in high‑profile projects gives the comment weight. Aniplex sits on the production committee for Demon Slayer, which has produced two of the highest‑grossing anime films of all time—Mugen Train (2020) and Infinity Castle (2025). It also co‑produces the Solo Leveling anime, which premiered in early 2024 and will receive a sequel film, Beyond the System, in 2026.
While Aniplex signals openness, other key partners have taken a firmer stance. Ufotable, the studio that animates Demon Slayer, publicly confirmed in January 2026 that it will not use AI in future projects, emphasizing a commitment to hand‑drawn artistry. The contrast illustrates the diversity of approaches within the same production committee.
Evidence of early experimentation appears in the trailer for the Solo Leveling film. The clip features heavy 3D CGI that blends realistic‑looking imagery with the series’ traditional 2D style—a combination that some observers interpret as an early AI‑driven approach. The studio’s role in the production committee suggests that such experiments may be under consideration, though it is unclear whether any AI‑generated content will appear in the final cut.
Aniplex’s openness also aligns with Sony’s broader AI initiatives. Sony has announced the development of “AnimeCanvas,” a new animation production software that incorporates AI, and has partnered with its subsidiaries A‑1 Pictures and CloverWorks to explore the technology. The company’s investment in AI tools signals a strategic interest in improving production efficiency, even as it maintains a cautious stance on creative output.
Industry analysts note that AI’s potential to streamline repetitive tasks—such as in‑between frames, background painting, or color correction—could reduce costs and accelerate delivery times. However, the artistic integrity of anime, prized for its hand‑crafted detail, remains a central concern for creators and fans alike.
Looking ahead, the Demon Slayer film trilogy, which began with Infinity Castle in July 2025, is slated for release through 2026. The Solo Leveling film, announced for 2026, will be followed by a Korean drama adaptation in development. Whether AI will play a role in these projects remains to be seen, but Aniplex’s statement suggests that the studio is prepared to evaluate the technology as it evolves.
In summary, Aniplex has signaled a willingness to explore AI tools in anime production, a stance that contrasts with some of its partners’ current policies. The studio’s involvement in major franchises like Demon Slayer and Solo Leveling means that any adoption of AI could have significant industry implications. As the technology matures, studios will likely weigh the benefits of increased efficiency against the preservation of traditional animation craftsmanship.
