Director Mamoru Hosoda’s new movie, Scarlet (Japanese title: Hateshinaki Scarlet), has been officially announced for a Winter 2025 release. Known for movies like The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006), Summer Wars (2009), and Belle (2021), Hosoda is once again taking on the roles of director, screenwriter, and original creator.
Produced by Studio Chizu, the movie introduces Scarlet, a “strong princess who transcends time and space,” as its central character. While the Japanese title translates to The Endless Scarlet, the official English title has been confirmed as Scarlet.
Hosoda’s Vision for Scarlet
Hosoda has revealed that Scarlet draws inspiration from a well-known classic, following a trend seen in his previous work, Belle, which re-imagined Beauty and the Beast in a modern, internet-driven setting. Although Hosoda has not revealed the specific work that inspired the new movie, he noted that it is a “world-famous work on par with Beauty and the Beast.”
The story will also include a second key character, and Hosoda has described the movie as incorporating elements of a “road movie” and a “buddy story.” The movie will focus on the journey of two contrasting characters who deepen their bond through shared experiences.
Themes of human relationships, a hallmark of Hosoda’s past movies, are expected to play a prominent role once again, with the director hinting that this movie will explore these themes more deeply than before.
The character Scarlet herself is described as a princess who “transcends time and space.” While specific details about the plot have not been revealed, a teaser visual shared at the announcement event shows Scarlet in clothes that suggest a historical setting. Hosoda has referred to the project as one of his most ambitious yet, tackling themes such as life, death, and human connection.
Innovative Visual Approach
Visually, Scarlet also aims to break new ground. Mamoru Hosoda teased that the Scarlet movie will feature a distinctive style, relying neither on traditional 2D animation nor Hollywood-style CG, as Studio Chizu seeks to create a completely fresh look. The innovative visuals are expected to match the scale of the story.
Global Release Strategy
At the announcement event, Studio Chizu producer Yuichiro Saito confirmed that Scarlet will be distributed in Japan by Toho, with Sony Pictures handling the movie’s international release. Sony has also invested in the production, signaling a significant push to bring the movie to a global audience.
Hosoda stated that the movie is intended to resonate with viewers worldwide by addressing universal emotions and challenges. “I believe animation has the potential to explore new possibilities and tell stories that connect deeply with audiences,” Hosoda said. The movie also aims to explore how individuals, particularly young people, can find hope and strength to move forward in a chaotic and uncertain world.
Release Date Details
Unlike Hosoda’s previous works, which typically premiered during the summer, Scarlet is scheduled for a Winter 2025 release. While “winter” in anime terms often refers to the early months of the year, Scarlet is expected to debut in late 2025, likely in December. Hosoda noted that the winter release is intentional, as the movie’s content aligns more naturally with the season’s tone and atmosphere.
Source: Official Website, Comic Natalie, Oricon
©2025 STUDIO CHIZU
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