Toronto, ON – The highly anticipated new anime feature film, Scarlet (Japanese title: Hateshinaki Scarlet), from acclaimed director Mamoru Hosoda and Studio Chizu, is slated to have its North American premiere as a Special Presentation at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The festival is scheduled to run from September 4 to 14, with the full program to be unveiled on August 12.
A New Cinematic Vision from a Master Animator
Mamoru Hosoda, known for his critically celebrated works such as The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Summer Wars, Wolf Children, The Boy and the Beast, and the Academy Award-nominated Mirai and Belle, brings a fresh narrative to the screen with Scarlet. The film marks Hosoda’s latest endeavor as both director, screenwriter, and original creator, promising a unique blend of fantasy, action, and mystery.
Delving into the World of “Scarlet”
The plot of Scarlet revolves around a powerful princess named Scarlet, who embarks on a boundless journey of vengeance after her father, the king, is murdered. Her quest takes an unexpected turn when, after a failed attempt at revenge, she awakens in “The Land of the Dead,” a realm teeming with madness. In this “place for the unfulfilled,” individuals who do not exact revenge on their nemesis risk becoming “nothing” and disappearing entirely. The narrative is set to explore deep emotional themes within its fantastical framework.
Key Cast and Production Details
The film boasts a talented voice cast, with Mana Ashida lending her voice to the titular Princess Scarlet. Masaki Okada stars as Hijiri, a nurse from modern Japan who becomes involved in Scarlet’s journey. Other notable cast members include Yutaka Matsushige as Cornelius, Kōtarō Yoshida as Voltemand, Kōji Yakusho as Claudius, and Masachika Ichimura as Amulet, Scarlet’s father.
Scarlet is a collaborative effort, co-produced and co-financed by Sony Pictures, Studio Chizu, and Nippon TV. Sony Pictures will handle global distribution, while Toho will manage theatrical distribution in Japan. Hosoda’s Studio Chizu, established in 2011, is responsible for the animation production, continuing their tradition of blending hand-drawn animation with CG for a distinctive visual style.
Anticipated Release Dates Beyond TIFF
Following its North American premiere at TIFF, Scarlet is slated for a theatrical release in Japan on November 21, 2025. Audiences in the United States can expect the film to open in theaters shortly thereafter, with a release date set for December 12, 2025. The film’s early teasers have already generated significant online attention, indicating strong anticipation from anime enthusiasts and general audiences alike.
