Mamoru Hosoda’s highly anticipated anime feature film, “Scarlet,” has announced 11 new additions to its voice cast, bringing a wealth of acclaimed talent to the project. The new roster of actors will join previously revealed leads Mana Ashida and Masaki Okada, further expanding the world of the time-transcending revenge narrative. The film is set to premiere in Japan on November 21, 2025, followed by a U.S. release on December 12, 2025.
Expanding the Ensemble: New Voice Talent Introduced
The latest announcement introduces a diverse group of actors to the “Scarlet” ensemble, with many characters sharing names inspired by William Shakespeare’s tragedy, Hamlet. Among the notable additions is Koji Yakusho, who will voice Claudius, described as a ruthless and inhumane king responsible for Scarlet’s father’s murder. This marks Yakusho’s fourth collaboration with Hosoda, having previously lent his voice to films like The Boy and the Beast, Mirai, and Belle.
The full list of newly announced cast members includes:
- Koji Yakusho as Claudius
- Masachika Ichimura as Amleth, Scarlet’s kind-hearted father
- Kotaro Yoshida as Voltimand, a close associate of Claudius
- Yuki Saito as Gertrude, Scarlet’s mother
- Yutaka Matsushige as Cornelius, another influential aide to Claudius
- Kazuhiro Yamaji as Polonius, an aide monitoring Scarlet’s movements
- Tokio Emoto as Laertes, an associate of Claudius
- Munetaka Aoki as Rosencrantz, a retainer targeting Scarlet
- Shota Sometani as Guildenstern, another retainer of Claudius
- Noa Shiroyama as Girl, a character Scarlet encounters
- Kayoko Shiraishi as Old Woman
These actors will inhabit roles central to the film’s dark and revenge-driven narrative, adding depth to the supporting cast surrounding the main protagonists.
Lead Roles and Narrative Foundation
The film’s leading roles were previously announced, with Mana Ashida cast as the titular heroine, Scarlet, a princess consumed by a quest for vengeance after her father’s brutal murder. Masaki Okada will voice Hijiri, a nurse from modern Japan who accidentally finds himself in the “Land of the Dead” and becomes Scarlet’s companion. Ashida will portray both the 19-year-old Scarlet and her younger self, delivering what Director Hosoda described as an “intense performance”. This project marks Masaki Okada’s debut in a feature-length animated film.
The Story of “Scarlet”: A Princess’s Journey Through Time and Space
“Scarlet” is described as a story centering on a princess who “transcends time and space”. After her initial attempt at revenge fails, Scarlet wakes up in the “Land of the Dead,” a realm brimming with madness. To avoid being reduced to “Emptiness” and ceasing to exist, she must complete her vengeance and reach “The Endless Place”. The film’s themes are said to tackle life and death, incorporating elements of action and romance.
Director Mamoru Hosoda, known for critically acclaimed works such as The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Summer Wars, Wolf Children, The Boy and the Beast, and Belle, is both directing and writing the screenplay for “Scarlet”. Hosoda previously hinted that the film’s visual style would be distinctive, utilizing neither traditional 2D animation nor Hollywood-style CG.
Production Details and Global Release
“Scarlet” is co-produced and co-financed by Sony Pictures, Studio CHIZU, and Nippon TV, with Studio CHIZU handling the animation production. Sony Pictures is responsible for global distribution, while Toho will manage distribution in Japan. The film’s release dates are set for November 21, 2025, in Japan, and December 12, 2025, in the United States.
