On 30th August, football met anime in a way that only Dominic Solanke could pull off. The Tottenham Hotspur and England international of Nigerian descent hosted the first European screening of Anime movie - Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle in partnership with Crunchyroll and Aniplex, drawing together an audience that reflected both his passion for Japanese animation and his growing cultural influence beyond the pitch.
Held in an intimate setting at the famous Soho Hotel in London; merging cinematic spectacle with community energy, the screening was a chance to preview one of the most anticipated arcs in anime. It was a statement that Solanke is one of the leading front runners of new wave athletes who are proudly carrying their personal passions into the public space, and in doing so, cultivating cultural crossovers.
The atmosphere was electric - anime enthusiasts, sports fans, cultural tastemakers and footballers such as Jeremie Frimpong and Tosin Adarabioyo in the cut, filled the room with equal parts anticipation and excitement. As the infinity castle saga unfolded on screen, gasps and cheers rippled through the crowd, confirming just how global and impactful the Demon Slayer franchise has become.
What fascinated me within the movie was how it set off perfectly from the ending of season 4: Hashira training arc; transcending into a beautiful landscape of well-detailed CGI graphics, alongside the sound composition. Yuki Kajiura and Go Shiina, known for their mastermind blends of bringing intense sound together, they really outdone themselves insanely with each sound detail to the notch; infusing Yūichi Terao’s cinematography and Manabu Kamino’s brilliant editing skills into a well mixed compound that brings all creative heavens into one piece.
For Deeds Magazine, the invitation was a chance to witness not only the scale of anime’s culture reach but also how figures like Solanke are bridging gaps between worlds. His role as host wasn’t just symbolic; it was celebratory acknowledging that creativity and fandom aren’t confined by borders or professions. Whether on the pitch or in front of a big screen, Solanke is proving himself as a cultivator of moments that bring communities together.
With Crunchyroll and Aniplex at the helm, and Solanke as the cultural conduit, the evening underscored how anime has moved from niche subculture to mainstream phenomenon embraced not just by dedicated fans but by leaders shaping global culture. For me, the movie left me with an emotional response, captivated by the character developments and studio production, I really do believe that this movie will be the opening for new anime fans to really be adored by the connection anime has. Do not be surprised if this film rises to the top with nominations from the Oscars and Emmys - since the golden ages of films that opened anime into the helm of Hollywood’s award shows such as spirited away.
Get ready to get your popcorn and sit tight, you’ll be in a ride of unpredictability, emotional moments and wow’ed by the production value, Tanjiro and the Hashira gang are here to ignite the flame. Solanke really brought us to witness greatness that eclipses beyond expectations.
