A new teaser trailer has been released for Mamoru Hosoda’s latest anime feature film, “Scarlet” (titled “Hateshinaki Scarlet” in Japan), offering a first look at the acclaimed director’s highly anticipated project. The trailer’s debut on August 1st, 2025, coincides with the anniversary of Hosoda’s 2009 film, Summer Wars. The film is set to premiere in Japan on November 21, 2025, followed by a U.S. theatrical release on December 12, 2025.
A Tale of Revenge and the Land of the Dead
“Scarlet” marks Mamoru Hosoda‘s first feature film in four years, following his 2021 success, Belle. The new movie is described as a dark fantasy, centering on a strong princess named Scarlet. After failing to avenge her father, the king, who was murdered, Scarlet awakens in “The Land of the Dead.” This realm is depicted as being “brimming with madness,” and within it, individuals who do not exact revenge on their nemesis and reach “The Endless Place” are reduced to “Emptiness” and cease to exist. The narrative will follow Scarlet’s “boundless journey of vengeance” as she navigates this perilous world. Director Hosoda has stated that the film’s theme is “revenge.”
A New Visual Direction
Mamoru Hosoda has expressed his intention for “Scarlet” to have a different feel from his previous works, aiming for a completely new visual style that is neither traditional 2D animation nor “Hollywood-style CG.” The teaser trailer showcases “gorgeous 3D visuals and animation” that critics are already praising as “far better than what’s usually seen in anime.” The film is also expected to incorporate action and romance elements.
International Distribution and Festival Premieres
“Scarlet” is a collaborative production involving Studio Chizu, Nippon Television, and Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE), with SPE also co-financing the project. TOHO will handle the film’s distribution in Japan, while Sony Pictures will oversee its worldwide distribution. This collaboration ensures a broad international release for the film.
The film is slated for a world premiere screening at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, which will take place from August 27 to September 6 in Venice Lido, Italy. Following this, “Scarlet” will have its North American premiere as a Special Presentation at the 50th annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
Key Cast Members
The main voice cast for “Scarlet” has been announced, with Mana Ashida starring as the protagonist, Princess Scarlet. Masaki Okada joins the cast as Hijiri, a nurse from modern Japan. Other significant cast members include Yutaka Matsushige as Cornelius, an influential aide; Kōtarō Yoshida as Voltemand, an aide who leads the knights; Kōji Yakusho as Claudius, the orchestrator of the conspiracy against Scarlet’s father; Masachika Ichimura as Amulet, Scarlet’s father; and Yuki Saitō as Gertrude, Scarlet’s mother, who is involved in Claudius’s conspiracy. Shōta Sometani is also part of the cast.
