A Merry Little Ex-Mas, Netflix’s latest holiday rom-com, centers on Kate and Everett’s final Christmas together before their divorce, but it is Chet, played by Pierson Fodé, who brings most of the laughs and levity to the screen.
Chet is introduced as a free-spirited, slightly over-the-top neighbor who tries to cheer Kate up after she discovers Everett is dating Tess. He shows up at the door dressed as Santa, offers his number, and quickly becomes the unofficial comic relief of the movie.
Reviewers and fans alike highlight Chet’s ability to lighten the mood, whether he is sliding on ice, attempting to put out a kitchen fire with his clothes, or delivering jokes with a wink.
His character is written as someone who does not take himself too seriously, and his antics are a deliberate contrast to the more serious emotional drama unfolding between Kate and Everett. Chet’s presence is so central that some critics describe him as the glue holding the film’s lighter moments together.
The Romance That Doesn’t Take Off
Chet’s role goes beyond just comic relief; he is also positioned as a potential love interest for Kate. After Everett’s new relationship is revealed, Kate seeks comfort and distraction, and Chet steps in with his easygoing charm.
He invites her to events, tries to impress her with his adventurous spirit, and even surprises her with a kiss at the end of the party. However, Kate remains focused on her own journey and ultimately turns him down, explaining that she is not ready to move on.
This rejection is a key moment for Chet’s character. While he is disappointed, he does not spiral into bitterness or anger. Instead, he maintains his upbeat attitude, showing maturity beneath the surface.
His ability to handle rejection with grace adds depth to what could have been a one-dimensional comic character, and it is this mix of humor and heart that makes Chet memorable.
The Last Laugh: Chet Finds a New Connection
Despite not winning Kate’s heart, Chet does not leave the story empty-handed. After Tess breaks up with Everett and decides to leave, she ends up spending time with Chet. The film hints that the two form a new connection, finding comfort and companionship in each other.
This turn of events is a classic rom-com twist, giving Chet a happy ending of his own , even if it is not the one he initially expected.
Critics and fans have noted that Chet’s arc is satisfying because it does not rely on him being the main character’s love interest to feel complete. Instead, his journey is about discovering happiness and connection in unexpected places, reflecting the film’s message about second chances and new beginnings.
A Merry Little Ex-Mas (Credit: Netflix)
His ability to bounce back from rejection and find a new connection with Tess is a testament to his resilience and good humor.
Why Chet’s Story Resonates
Chet’s journey in A Merry Little Ex-Mas resonates with audiences because it balances humor and heart in a way that feels authentic. He is not just there for laughs; his character has depth and a clear arc that adds to the film’s emotional impact.
His ability to handle rejection with grace and find a new connection at the end of the film makes him a standout character in a genre that often relies on predictable tropes.
The film’s ending, with Chet and Tess together, is a reminder that happiness can come from unexpected places and that sometimes the comic relief character is the one who gets the last laugh. Chet’s story is a celebration of resilience, humor, and the ability to find joy even when things do not go as planned.
In the end, Chet’s journey in A Merry Little Ex-Mas is a testament to the power of humor and heart in holiday films, and his happy ending is a fitting conclusion to a character who brings so much joy to the screen.
The Demon Slayer franchise has taken another bold step by confirming that the Infinity Castle arc will follow a theatrical-only release window before it arrives on any streaming platform. This decision has created excitement, confusion, and frustration among fans who were hoping to watch the next chapter of Tanjiro’s story sooner rather than later.
While the large-scale project promises some of the most ambitious animation the series has ever attempted, the delayed streaming schedule has become the center of discussion.
According to early details shared by industry insiders, the Infinity Castle storyline will be released as a trilogy of major theatrical films. Demon Slayer has a strong history with movie releases, and the incredible success of Mugen Train continues to influence how the franchise approaches its biggest arcs.
Because Infinity Castle contains intense battles, rapid scene shifts, and emotionally heavy moments, the production team reportedly believes the cinematic format will help deliver the dramatic impact they want. Large screens, powerful audio, and a focused space are expected to make the arc feel even more overwhelming and immersive.
However, this theatrical approach means that those who rely on streaming will have to wait much longer. Instead of arriving a few weeks or months after the movies finish their run, Infinity Castle is now set to reach global streaming platforms sometime in 2026.
This timeline surprised many fans, especially those who expected a faster transition given the popularity of Demon Slayer on international services. With the growing trend of simulcast releases and quick streaming turnarounds, waiting over a year feels unusual in today’s anime media.
Demon Slayer Franchise (Credits: Koyoharu Gotouge)
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Goes Theatrical-Only as Streaming Slips to 2026
This delay has led to a wave of mixed reactions. Some fans are thrilled about the cinematic direction and say they prefer to experience major arcs in theaters. They argue that Infinity Castle deserves the biggest possible screen and that the spectacular animation from ufotable will shine the brightest in a theater setting. They believe the wait is justified if it helps maintain the quality the series is famous for.
Others are disappointed because not everyone has easy access to theaters, especially those living far from cities. Many international fans feel left out when movies take months to reach their region or do not release locally at all.
Some viewers worry they will have to avoid spoilers for a very long time. This concern is especially strong with a story as dramatic and emotional as Infinity Castle, where major character moments will likely spread quickly across social media once the films are released in Japan.
The anime industry has seen an increase in theatrical-first strategies for large-scale arcs. Many studios are experimenting with film formats to boost revenue and showcase high-quality animation. For Demon Slayer, this approach makes sense given the franchise’s box office track record, but the long streaming delay still raises questions about accessibility.
Fans who have been watching Demon Slayer exclusively through streaming since the first season now feel that the release plan breaks their usual viewing routine.
Fans React to Long Wait After Infinity Castle Confirms Cinema-First Release
The production reasons behind the delay are still unclear. Some speculate that the studio wants to give each film a long theatrical life, particularly in Japan where box office performance can stay strong for months.
Others think the tight production schedule for such a massive arc may require extra time before preparing a full streaming version with subtitles and dubs for global audiences. The Infinity Castle storyline is action-heavy and may demand a large amount of careful post-production work.
Despite the frustration, excitement around the project remains high. Infinity Castle is one of the most anticipated arcs in the entire manga. It brings together nearly every major character, sets the stage for huge confrontations, and pushes the emotional stakes higher than ever before.
Fans know that once the films launch, discussion will explode online, and the theater experience will likely become a shared cultural moment for anime viewers worldwide.
Demon Slayer Franchise (Credits: Koyoharu Gotouge)
As the months continue, more promotional material is expected to appear, giving fans a clearer picture of the tone and scale of the trilogy. Posters, trailers, and early impressions will likely build hype even further. While the delayed streaming date may be disappointing, many viewers believe the final product will be worth the wait.
Ultimately, the decision to release Infinity Castle in theaters first and delay streaming until 2026 reflects the franchise’s confidence in the story and production. Demon Slayer has consistently pushed boundaries in animation, and the studio seems determined to deliver the final arcs with the highest possible quality.
Even though the wait may feel long, the anticipation surrounding the Infinity Castle trilogy continues to grow, keeping the excitement for Demon Slayer alive as fans look ahead to its dramatic next chapter.
Set during Japan’s Taishō era, Demon Slayer follows Tanjiro Kamado, whose family is killed by demons and whose sister Nezuko becomes one. To avenge his family and find a cure, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps alongside allies Zenitsu and Inosuke, battling demons with unique “Breathing”-based swordsmanship. The series intensifies through televised seasons and films like Mugen Train, adapting arcs through Swordsmith Village and Hashira Training, leading up to the final Infinity Castle arc.
