Acclaimed director Mamoru Hosoda’s latest anime feature, “Scarlet” (titled “Hateshinaki Scarlet” in Japan), has released a new trailer, offering a fresh look at the visually stunning and revenge-driven fantasy. The film is also confirmed for IMAX screenings, promising an immersive cinematic experience for audiences.
The highly anticipated movie is slated to open in Japan on November 21, 2025, with a limited awards-qualifying run in North America in late 2025, followed by a wider release in early 2026.
A Glimpse into the World of “Scarlet”
The newly released trailer provides further insight into the film’s unique aesthetic and narrative. Hosoda previously stated his intention to create a distinct visual style that eschews traditional 2D animation and “Hollywood-style CG,” aiming for an innovative look that incorporates digital techniques for enhanced detail, particularly in facial expressions. Early reactions to the teaser trailer have praised the gorgeous 3D visuals and animation. The new trailer reportedly includes flashbacks to heroines from Hosoda’s previous summer films before delving into the winter revenge story of “Scarlet.”
The Story of a Princess’s Vengeance
“Scarlet” is described as a powerful, time-bending animated adventure inspired by William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”. The story centers on a medieval-era, sword-fighting princess named Scarlet, who embarks on a dangerous quest to avenge her father’s death. After failing her initial mission and becoming gravely injured, she finds herself in the “Otherworld,” a surreal realm that exists between life and death, where past and future intertwine. Here, she encounters Hijiri, an idealistic young man from the present day who helps her heal and encourages her to envision a future beyond bitterness and rage. The core conflict revolves around Scarlet’s choice: to continue the cycle of hatred or find meaning in life beyond revenge. Director Mamoru Hosoda has expressed that the film’s theme of finding love and living together in unity is particularly relevant given current global conflicts.
Stellar Voice Cast and Production
The film boasts an impressive voice cast. Mana Ashida stars as the titular princess Scarlet, with Masaki Okada voicing Hijiri, the nurse from modern Japan. The recently announced additions to the cast include Mamoru Miyano and Kenjirō Tsuda as a duo of gravediggers, Michio Hazama as an elder caravan leader, and Toshio Furukawa as an innkeeper. Other key cast members include Kōji Yakusho as Claudius, Masachika Ichimura as Scarlet’s father Amlet, and Yutaka Matsushige as Cornelius.
“Scarlet” is produced by Studio Chizu, co-founded by Hosoda and Yuichiro Saito, with Nippon TV and Sony Pictures also co-producing and co-financing. Hosoda is both directing and writing the screenplay. The film’s production took four and a half years, longer than Hosoda’s previous works, due to the intricate digital techniques employed for a more detailed aesthetic.
Festival Premieres and International Release
“Scarlet” has already made its world premiere out of competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 4, 2025. It also had its North American premiere as a Special Presentation at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and has been screened at the New York Film Festival. Sony Pictures is handling global distribution for Columbia Pictures, with Toho distributing in Japan and Sony Pictures Classics releasing in North America. The film’s strategic festival circuit and qualifying run in late 2025 aim to bolster its awards season presence, with a wider North American release planned for early 2026.
