Sony Pictures Classics has announced that the wide North American theatrical release of acclaimed director Mamoru Hosoda’s new anime film, “Scarlet” (Hateshi naki Scarlet), will be delayed to early 2026. The film was originally slated to open in U.S. theaters on December 12, 2025. Despite the delay for a broad release, “Scarlet” is still set to have an awards-qualifying run in North America this year.
The decision to push back the wide release comes as the highly anticipated film builds a strong awards season resume, with major nominations expected to bolster its eventual box office performance. Sony Pictures Classics, a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment focused on independent films, will handle the North American distribution, while Sony Pictures Releasing International will manage global distribution for Columbia Pictures. TOHO is distributing the film in Japan.
“Scarlet” Premieres and Early Buzz
“Scarlet” is scheduled for its world premiere out of competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival with five screenings on September 4-5. Following this, its North American premiere will be held at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) as a Special Presentation, with four screenings on September 10-12. The film will also be screened at the New York Film Festival with two showings on October 7 and 8.
The Japanese release of “Scarlet” remains set for November 21, 2025. Initial reactions from these early festival screenings are expected to generate significant buzz, contributing to its awards season trajectory.
The Story of “Scarlet”: A New Direction for Hosoda
“Scarlet” is described as a powerful, time-bending animated adventure. The narrative centers on Scarlet, a medieval-era, sword-fighting princess on a dangerous quest to avenge her father’s death. After failing her mission and finding herself gravely injured in an “Otherworld” that exists between life and death, she encounters an idealistic young man from our present day. He not only helps her heal but also introduces her to the possibility of a future free of bitterness and rage. The central conflict arises when Scarlet faces her father’s killer again, prompting her to confront her most daunting battle: breaking the cycle of hatred and finding meaning in life beyond revenge.
Director Mamoru Hosoda, known for his critically acclaimed works like “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time,” “Summer Wars,” “Wolf Children,” “The Boy and the Beast,” and the Academy Award-nominated “Mirai” and “Belle,” is both directing and writing the screenplay for “Scarlet”. Hosoda has stated that “Scarlet” will not be made with classic Japanese-style 2D animation or Hollywood-style CG, but will feature a completely new look created by his Studio Chizu. He also noted that the film will offer a different feel compared to his previous works, incorporating action and romantic elements. Hosoda himself has defined the project as a “global classic” and mentioned it is based on a “global classic,” with some recognizing similarities to William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” in character names.
Mana Ashida stars as Princess Scarlet, with Masaki Okada playing Hijiri, a nurse from modern Japan. The cast also includes Kōji Yakusho as Claudius, the antagonist, and Masachika Ichimura as Amulet, Scarlet’s father, among others.
Studio Chizu and Collaborative Efforts
“Scarlet” is a production of Studio Chizu, the animation studio co-founded by Hosoda and producer Yuichiro Saito. Sony Pictures is co-producing and co-financing the project alongside Studio Chizu and Nippon TV, ensuring a wide international reach. Producer Yuichiro Saito has affirmed that the film is intended for worldwide distribution.
The delay of “Scarlet”‘s wide North American release strategically positions the film for a strong awards season run, leveraging early festival exposure to build anticipation before its broader theatrical debut in early 2026. This approach mirrors successful strategies employed by other acclaimed animated features in the past, aiming to maximize both critical recognition and audience engagement.
