Mamoru Hosoda's new Scarlet movie announces Winter 2025 release

On December 23, 2024, Studio CHIZU announced the Winter 2025 release window for director Mamoru Hosoda's new Scarlet movie (Hateshi Naki Scarlet in Japanese). The movie marks the celebrated director's return after four years since the film, Belle (The Dragon and the Freckled Princess).

According to the latest announcement, TOHO is releasing the movie in Japan. On the other hand, Sony Pictures has teamed up with Studio CHIZU to distribute the film globally. The new Scarlet movie by Mamoru Hosoda centers around a princess, who can cross space and time.

Mamoru Hosoda's new Scarlet movie officially confirmed for Winter 2025

Expand Tweet

According to the latest post by Studio CHIZU on their official X account (@studioChizu), Mamoru Hosoda's new Scarlet movie, titled Hateshi naki Scarlet (Endless Scarlet) in Japanese, is set to be released in Winter 2025. Since The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Hosoda-san's projects have previously been released in Japan in the Summer, but the upcoming film marks a change in the schedule.

A production presentation for the movie was also held on December 23, 2024, where Hosoda and Studio Chizu's producer, Yuichiro Saito appeared to reveal pertinent information about the film. Yuichiro Saito mentioned the movie will be distributed worldwide. TOHO will be in charge of distributing the new Scarlet movie in Japan, while Sony Pictures will release the film in other regions.

Moreover, the producer mentioned that Sony Pictures has invested in the movie. Additionally, Hosoda revealed the new Scarlet movie centers around the biggest theme he has ever worked on. The film will delve into the concepts of life and death, expressing a universal appeal.

A cut from the Mirai movie (Image via Studio Chizu)

While he has refrained from giving details about the movie's plot, he aims to create an entertaining film, with romance and action elements. Regarding the movie's visuals, it won't be made in 2D animation or Hollywood-style CGI, but a completely new look that the director is aiming for.

Notably, Hosoda is not only directing the movie, but also writing the scripts. He's also credited for the movie's original concept. More information about the film will be revealed later.

Additional information

Mamoru Hosoda has become one of the most renowned Japanese film directors. Although he started his career as an animator in 1991 at Toei Animation, he made his directorial debut in 1999 with Digimon Adventure.

Later, in 2006, Hosoda directed The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, which was crowned with the Japan Academy Prize for best animation. Under Studio Chizu, with Saito as the producer, Mamoru Hosoda wrote and directed the classic Wolf Children in 2012.

His Mirai movie (2018) was nominated for Oscars as the Best Animated Feature. Hosoda's latest movie, Belle (2021), became the highest-grossing movie of his directorial career.