Studio Chizu and renowned director Mamoru Hosoda’s eagerly anticipated new anime film, Scarlet, has unveiled additional cast members, further detailing the ensemble bringing its Shakespearean-inspired narrative to life. The film is set to premiere in Japan on November 21, with its U.S. theatrical release following on December 12.
Expanding the Voice Cast for ‘Scarlet’
The latest announcement introduces a host of prominent voice actors who will join the previously revealed leads. Kōji Yakusho, known for his extensive work and a recurring presence in Hosoda’s films, takes on the role of Claudius, the central antagonist whose conspiracy drives Scarlet’s quest for vengeance.
Other notable additions to the cast include:
- Yutaka Matsushige as Cornelius, an influential aide to Claudius.
- Kōtarō Yoshida as Voltemand, another aide of Claudius who leads the knights.
- Masachika Ichimura as Amulet, Scarlet’s father.
- Yuki Saitō as Gertrude, Scarlet’s mother, who is involved in Claudius’s schemes.
- Shōta Sometani as Guildenstern.
- Munetaka Aoki as Rosencrantz, a vassal of Claudius targeting Scarlet.
- Kazuhiro Yamaji as Polonius, an aide of Claudius tasked with monitoring Scarlet.
- Tokio Emoto as Laertes.
- Kayoko Shiraishi as a mysterious old woman.
- Noa Shiroyama as a young girl Scarlet encounters in “The Land of the Dead.”
These characters, many bearing names familiar from William Shakespeare’s tragedy Hamlet, suggest a deeply layered narrative drawing from classical literature.
A Tale of Vengeance and Transcending Worlds
The film centers on Princess Scarlet, voiced by Mana Ashida, who embarks on a journey of vengeance after her father, the king, is murdered. Her initial attempt at retribution fails, leading her to awaken in “The Land of the Dead,” a realm brimming with madness. In this surreal landscape, the unfulfilled are destined to disappear into “nothingness” unless they succeed in exacting revenge upon their adversaries. The story follows Scarlet’s boundless quest for vengeance, intertwined with a fateful encounter with Hijiri, a nurse from modern Japan, voiced by Masaki Okada.
Director Mamoru Hosoda is not only helming the film but also penned the screenplay and is credited for the original work. Hosoda has expressed that Scarlet will feature a distinctive visual style, deviating from traditional 2D animation or “Hollywood-style CG,” aiming for a completely fresh aesthetic. He also noted that the film will have a different feel from his previous works, incorporating elements of action and romance, and is based on a “global classic.”
The film’s producer, Yūichirō Saitō, confirmed that Scarlet will have worldwide distribution, with TOHO handling its release in Japan and Sony Pictures distributing it internationally. Sony Pictures is also co-producing and co-financing the project alongside Studio Chizu and Nippon TV.
