Legendary anime director Mamoru Hosoda, known for his acclaimed works such as The Girl Who Leapt Through Time and Summer Wars, has officially announced his next film project, Scarlet, set for release in Winter 2025. The announcement was made during a Studio Chizu presentation on December 23, 2024, alongside a teaser visual and details about the film’s distribution.
Scarlet marks Hosoda’s first new project in several years and follows a strong heroine, the titular Scarlet, described as a “strong princess who transcends time and space.” The film’s first artwork features Scarlet holding a sword with her striking reddish-pink, braided hair, offering a glimpse into the film’s unique aesthetic.
While Hosoda’s previous films—such as Summer Wars, Wolf Children, The Boy and the Beast, Mirai, and Belle—have all been released during the summer, Scarlet will break this trend with its Winter 2025 release. Producer Yuchiro Saito confirmed that the film would receive international distribution, with Toho handling the release in Japan and Sony Pictures overseeing global distribution. Additionally, Sony Pictures is said to have made a direct investment in the film.
Hosoda has revealed that Scarlet will explore profound themes, including life, death, and universal experiences that resonate with all audiences. The director described the film as tackling the largest themes of his career, blending action and romance. The film’s animation style is set to be distinct from Hosoda’s previous works, featuring a unique blend of 2D and 3D animation techniques. Sony’s involvement in the international distribution is expected to introduce a “new form for Japanese animation,” further elevating the film’s global appeal.
Scarlet is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated anime films of the next few years, and fans are eager to see how Hosoda’s signature storytelling will unfold in this ambitious new project.
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