Studio Chizu and director Mamoru Hosoda have announced a significant expansion to the voice cast of the upcoming anime film Scarlet, adding eleven new members who will bring a host of pivotal characters to life. This latest unveiling follows the earlier announcement of lead actors Mana Ashida and Masaki Okada, further solidifying the ensemble for the highly anticipated feature set to premiere in Japan on November 21, 2025, and in U.S. theaters on December 12, 2025.
The newly revealed cast members feature an array of acclaimed Japanese talent, many of whom will portray characters bearing names familiar to fans of William Shakespeare’s tragedy Hamlet, hinting at the film’s narrative inspirations.
Acclaimed Actors Join the Ensemble
The eleven additional voice actors and their roles include:
- Koji Yakusho as Claudius: Described as a ruthless and inhumane king whose conspiracy leads Scarlet on her quest for vengeance. Yakusho is a veteran of Hosoda’s works, making his fourth voice appearance in a film directed by him.
- Masachika Ichimura as Amlet: Scarlet’s kind-hearted father, the king, who is framed and executed by Claudius.
- Kotaro Yoshida as Voltemand: An aide of Claudius who leads the knights and aims for Scarlet’s life in the “Land of the Dead”.
- Yuki Saito as Gertrude: Scarlet’s mother, who aligns with Claudius’s schemes.
- Yutaka Matsushige as Cornelius: An influential aide of Claudius, possessing physical strength.
- Kazuhiro Yamaji as Polonius: Another aide of Claudius, tasked with monitoring Scarlet’s movements.
- Tokio Emoto as Laertes: Also a close associate of Claudius, monitoring Scarlet’s journey.
- Munetaka Aoki as Rosencrantz: A vassal of Claudius who targets Scarlet.
- Shota Sometani as Guildenstern: Another retainer of Claudius, also aiming for Scarlet’s life.
- Noa Shiroyama as Girl: A girl Scarlet encounters in the “Land of the Dead”.
- Kayoko Shiraishi as Old Woman: A mysterious old woman.
These actors join the already announced Mana Ashida, who stars as the titular medieval princess Scarlet, delivering a dual performance as both the 19-year-old and younger versions of the character. Masaki Okada voices Hijiri, a modern-day Japanese nurse who accidentally wanders into the “land of the dead” and becomes Scarlet’s companion. Both Ashida and Okada are making their first appearance in a Hosoda-directed work.
Scarlet‘s Intriguing Premise and Production
Scarlet is described as the story of a strong princess who transcends time and space on a quest for vengeance. After witnessing her father’s brutal death and failing in her initial attempt at revenge, she awakens in the “Land of the Dead,” a realm consumed by madness. To avoid being reduced to “Emptiness,” she must continue her journey of vengeance and reach “The Endless Place”. Director Mamoru Hosoda, known for critically acclaimed films such as The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Summer Wars, Wolf Children, and Belle, is directing and writing the screenplay, and is also credited for the original work.
Hosoda has stated that the film is “neither 2D nor a Hollywood-style CG animation” and aims for a completely new visual style, departing from his past works with a focus on action and romance elements. The film’s themes will tackle life and death, drawing inspiration from a “global classic”.
Notably, Scarlet utilized a pre-scoring (presco) method for the first time in Hosoda’s filmography, where voice recordings by Ashida and Okada were completed a year prior and then synchronized with the animation. While their initial presco sessions were separate, they recorded their final dubbing together.
Global Release and Collaborations
The film is a collaborative effort, with Studio Chizu handling the animation production, and Sony Pictures co-producing and co-financing the project alongside Nippon TV. Toho will manage distribution in Japan, while Sony Pictures will handle the global distribution outside of Japan. Scarlet marks Studio Chizu’s first venture with Sony Pictures, which has also invested in the film.
With a stellar cast and a compelling premise from a visionary director, Scarlet is poised to be a significant animated release in late 2025.
