‘Belle’ director Hosoda Mamoru reveals first look at new anime film ‘Scarlet’
Acclaimed anime director Hosoda Mamoru, the visionary behind such beloved films as “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time,” “Summer Wars,” and “Belle,” is returning with his highly anticipated new feature film, “Scarlet”.
Studio Chizu has announced that the film will premiere in Japan on November 21st.
Adding to the excitement, Sony Pictures Entertainment has secured the rights for worldwide distribution outside of Japan, with a theatrical release in the United States slated for December 12th.
Breaking away from his previous themes, “Scarlet” delves into the complex and powerful subject of “revenge,” promising a gripping and intense experience.
Along with the release date, a striking teaser visual and a compelling first look trailer have been unveiled, offering a glimpse into Hosoda’s latest cinematic world.
Hosoda Mamoru has established himself as a leading figure in animation, consistently earning critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including multiple Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year awards.
His film “Mirai” received an Annie Award and an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature, while his most recent work, “Belle,” was officially invited to the Cannes Premiere section of the Cannes Film Festival.
The initial teaser visual, revealed at a production announcement last December, depicted a woman with a sword at her hip, her gaze fixed intently on the distance, hinting at a world unlike any seen in Hosoda’s previous works.
At the time, the director expressed his desire to push the boundaries of animation with an entirely new visual style, building on his experiences with the virtual world of “U” in “Belle.”
The newly released teaser visual offers a more direct look at the film’s protagonist, Princess Scarlet. Clad in a pristine white dress stained with blood, she stands defiantly atop a pile of corpses, a sword clutched in her hand, her piercing gaze directed towards the viewer.
The tagline, “To live, or not to live?”, poses a profound question, perhaps reflecting Scarlet’s inner turmoil or even challenging the audience.
This stark and intense imagery marks a significant departure from the bright, sky-filled visuals often associated with Hosoda’s films.
Scarlet’s determined and almost fierce expression in the new visual creates an atmosphere of palpable tension and foreboding.
The film’s intriguing storyline has also been revealed. Princess Scarlet’s life is shattered when her father, the king of her country, is murdered. However, her attempt at revenge fails, and she awakens in the “Land of the Dead.”
This macabre realm is filled with madness, where those who fail to avenge their enemies and reach a mysterious “unseen place” risk becoming “void” and ceasing to exist. Scarlet’s journey becomes a desperate race against oblivion as she strives to exact her vengeance.
Hosoda himself has stated his ambition to create a “powerful, thought-provoking film that questions the very meaning of life,” hoping to explore this profound theme alongside the audience.
The genesis of “Scarlet” lies in the tumultuous events of recent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent global conflicts and social unrest. Hosoda explained:
“I felt that the world was united against the coronavirus. But as that began to subside, wars broke out in various parts of the world, and I felt a distinct shift towards a negative direction. I believe people around the world are seeking answers on how to live in a world that is not peaceful. I felt that if I were to make a film now, I should confront these urgent feelings and create a movie that resonates with everyone, and that’s how the idea for ‘Scarlet’ came about.”
Reflecting on the theme of revenge, Hosoda commented:
“Looking at the events unfolding globally, I see a situation where deep grudges and a desire for revenge are constantly being generated. ‘Revenge’ leads to ‘retaliation.’ We need to break out of this cycle somewhere, but it’s not something that can be easily resolved. I was struck by the question of what a protagonist, driven into a corner where they have no choice but to seek revenge, should do. That’s why I decided to make a ‘revenge story.'”
The first trailer for “Scarlet” offers a tantalizing glimpse into this new world, showcasing a desert landscape described as the “Land of the Dead,” imposing castles, dense crowds, volcanic eruptions, lightning storms, and even the appearance of a dragon.
The stunning visuals, rendered with Hosoda’s signature delicate touch, are punctuated by intense moments featuring Scarlet wielding a sword in battle.
Despite its brief 30-second runtime, the trailer is packed with scenes that build immense anticipation for the full film.
The trailer also features the first spoken line from Scarlet, as she asks, “Where… is this?” to a shadowy figure in the distance.
The voice actor behind Scarlet remains a point of keen interest for fans as the world awaits the next chapter in Hosoda Mamoru’s acclaimed filmography.
Source: Official Website
© 2025 Studio Chizu
