Tokyo, Japan – Just one week before its highly anticipated Japanese theatrical release, acclaimed director Mamoru Hosoda’s latest anime feature, “Scarlet” (Hateshinaki Sukāretto; lit. ‘Endless Scarlet’), has revealed a new final visual, a compelling video, and details on an extensive list of additional voice cast members. The announcements further build excitement for the Studio Chizu production, which promises a unique blend of fantasy, action, and a profound exploration of themes surrounding vengeance and forgiveness.
Final Visual and Latest Promotional Video Released
The newly unveiled final visual for “Scarlet” offers a fresh and modern aesthetic, hinting at the film’s ambitious narrative scope. This visual accompanies earlier releases, including a main poster visual that showcased the film’s two central characters.
Complementing the visual revelations, a new video, including official trailers, provides a deeper look into the film’s distinctive animation style and epic storyline. Hosoda has previously stated that “Scarlet” will eschew both traditional 2D animation and “Hollywood-style CG,” instead aiming for a completely new visual experience that incorporates advanced digital techniques for unparalleled detail, especially in character expressions.
Expanded Voice Cast Deepens the Ensemble
In a significant update, the film has announced eleven additional voice cast members who will lend their talents to the intricate world of “Scarlet.” These new additions join previously confirmed lead actors Mana Ashida as the titular princess Scarlet and Masaki Okada as Hijiri.
The newly announced cast includes:
- Koji Yakusho as Claudius
- Masachika Ichimura as Amleth
- Kotaro Yoshida as Voltimand
- Yuki Saito as Gertrude
- Yutaka Matsushige as Cornelius
- Kazuhiro Yamaji as Polonius
- Tokio Emoto as Laertes
- Munetaka Aoki as Rosencrantz
- Shota Sometani as Guildenstern
- Noa Shiroyama as Girl
- Kayoko Shiraishi as Old Woman
Notably, many of these character names bear a striking resemblance to figures from William Shakespeare’s seminal tragedy, Hamlet, suggesting a potential thematic or narrative influence on Hosoda’s work.
The Story of “Scarlet”: A Princess’s Journey Beyond Vengeance
“Scarlet” tells the story of a medieval-era, sword-fighting princess named Scarlet, who embarks on a perilous quest to avenge the murder of her father, the king. After her initial mission fails, leaving her gravely injured, she awakens in a surreal “Otherworld,” sometimes referred to as the “Land of the Dead,” a place “brimming with madness” where those who fail to enact revenge risk becoming “nothing” and disappearing.
In this strange realm, Scarlet encounters Hijiri, an idealistic young man from the present day. Hijiri aids her in her healing and, critically, introduces her to the possibility of a future free from bitterness and rage. The film’s core conflict arises when Scarlet is once again confronted by her father’s killer, forcing her to face her most profound challenge: to break the cycle of hatred and discover meaning in life beyond her quest for revenge. Hosoda has indicated that the film’s themes will tackle life and death, incorporating elements of action and romance. He also noted that the film is based on a “global classic.”
Production and International Release
Produced by Studio Chizu, the film marks Hosoda’s first feature since 2021’s critically acclaimed “Belle.” Hosoda himself is credited with directing, writing the screenplay, and the original work for “Scarlet.” The film’s production reportedly took four and a half years, longer than his previous works, a testament to the intricate digital techniques employed to achieve its detailed aesthetic.
“Scarlet” is scheduled for theatrical release in Japan on November 21, 2025, distributed by Toho. Internationally, Sony Pictures Classics will handle the North American distribution, planning an awards-qualifying run later this year, followed by a wider theatrical release on February 6, 2026. Columbia Pictures retains distribution rights elsewhere through Sony Pictures Releasing International. The film also had its premiere out of competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 4, 2025.
