Acclaimed director Mamoru Hosoda , known for
films such as “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time,” “Summer Wars,” and
“BELLE,” unveiled his latest project titled “ Scarlet (Hateshi naki
Scarlet)” on Monday. The film, which is set to open in winter
2025 (i.e. late next year), will be Hosoda’s first work in four years since the
release of “BELLE” in 2021.
At a production event on December 23, Mamoru Hosoda
revealed that “Scarlet” will tell the story of a powerful princess who
traverses space and time. In addition to directing, Hosoda is in
charge of the script and is credited as the original creator of the work. According
to the director, this new film will explore a completely innovative visual
approach, one that does not align with traditional 2D animation or the CGI
style typical of Hollywood. Hosoda described this project as a work
with elements of action and romance, based on a “global classic” and with a
narrative that addresses universal themes such as life and death.
Since 2006’s “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time,”
Hosoda’s films have tended to be released during the summer in Japan. However,
Scarlet will break this tradition with a release scheduled for the winter
season, marking a significant shift from the usual pattern of his works.
Studio Chizu producer Yuichiro Saito announced that
“Scarlet” will be distributed worldwide. In Japan, the
film will be released by TOHO, while Sony Pictures will handle its
international distribution. The latter has also invested in the
production, underlining “Scarlet’s” approach as an innovative product in the
Japanese anime landscape.
During the event, a “super teaser visual” was unveiled
that features Princess Scarlet, an imposing figure who is described as the
protagonist of the story. While plot details are being kept under
wraps, Hosoda noted that the film will represent his most ambitious project to
date, tackling a “bigger” theme than any previous work.
With a revolutionary visual approach and an epic
narrative that combines action, romance and classic elements, “Scarlet”
promises to be a cinematic experience that transcends borders. Anticipation
is high for this next chapter in the career of one of the most visionary
directors in the anime industry.
Source: Comic Natalie
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