TOHO has released the first trailer for Scarlet (Hateshi naki Scarlet in Japanese, meaning "Scarlet Without Limits"), the latest anime film from acclaimed director Mamoru Hosoda and Studio Chizu. The trailer’s debut aligns with the anniversary of Hosoda’s Summer Wars, which premiered in Japan on August 1, 2009. The film is slated to open in Japanese theaters on November 21, 2025, with a U.S. release following on December 12, 2025.
Additionally, Scarlet will make its world premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, held from August 27 to September 6, 2025, at Venice Lido, Italy, and its North American premiere at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) as a Special Presentation.
The film marks a departure from Hosoda’s traditional summer release schedule, as noted by Comic Natalie, with Scarlet being his first work to premiere in winter since The Girl Who Leapt Through Time. Distributed by TOHO in Japan and Sony Pictures internationally, the film has also received investment from Sony Pictures, signaling strong global ambitions. Producer Yūichirō Saitō emphasized that Scarlet is designed for worldwide distribution, aiming to captivate audiences with its unique visual style and narrative.
Scarlet features a distinguished voice cast, led by Mana Ashida as the titular princess Scarlet and Masaki Okada as Hijiri, a nurse from modern Japan. The ensemble includes characters with names drawn from William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, suggesting thematic parallels. The full cast list is as follows:
Yutaka Matsushige as Cornelius, an influential aide of Claudius
Kōtarō Yoshida as Voltemand, an aide of Claudius who leads the knights
Kōji Yakusho as Claudius, whose conspiracy led Scarlet onto her quest for vengeance
Masachika Ichimura as Amulet, Scarlet’s father
Yuki Saitō as Gertrude, Scarlet’s mother who assists Claudius in his conspiracy
Shōta Sometani as Guildenstern
Munetaka Aoki as Rosencrantz, a vassal of Claudius who targets Scarlet
Kazuhiro Yamaji as Polonius, an aide of Claudius who watches over Scarlet’s movements
Tokio Emoto as Laertes
Kayoko Shiraishi as a mysterious old woman
Noa Shiroyama as a girl whom Scarlet encounters in “The Land of the Dead”
Hosoda himself directs, writes the screenplay, and is credited for the original work, ensuring his distinct creative vision permeates the project. He has described Scarlet as neither traditional 2D animation nor “Hollywood-style CG,” instead pursuing a groundbreaking visual aesthetic. The film blends action, romance, and a fresh tone distinct from Hosoda’s previous works, such as Wolf Children and Mirai.
What is Scarlet anime movie about?
Scarlet follows the story of a fierce princess named Scarlet, who embarks on a vengeful quest across space and time after her father, the king, is murdered. When her initial attempt at retribution fails, Scarlet awakens in “The Land of the Dead,” a surreal realm filled with madness. In this place, those who fail to exact revenge on their enemies risk becoming “nothing” and vanishing entirely. The narrative traces Scarlet’s relentless journey through this otherworldly landscape, driven by her unyielding desire for justice. Described as a “global classic” by Hosoda, the film promises a boundless exploration of vengeance, identity, and destiny, wrapped in a visually innovative package.
Sources: Scarlet film’s official website, Comic Natalie
