The new
film project of Mamoru Hosoda, titled Scarlet,
continues to generate expectations internationally. The official portal
revealed a new visual along with unpublished images of the film, in addition to
announcing five additional members to the cast.
New
actors confirmed
The
announcement included a Kazuki Namioka, Kōki Uchiyama, Shiro
Saitō, Queen Ueda and Atsumi Tanezaki, who
will participate in Scarlet in roles that have not yet been
revealed. These additions are added to the previously confirmed
protagonists:
- Mana Ashida like Princess Scarlet.
- Masaki Okada like Hijiri, a nurse from
modern Japan.
Some of the
characters in the film share names with figures from the tragedy Hamlet by
William Shakespeare, a track that has aroused curiosity among the director's
followers.
A tour
of international festivals
The film
had its world premiere in the Venice International Film Festival,
where it had five screenings between September 4 and 5. Later, he appeared at
the Toronto International Film Festival, the New York Film
Festival and in the festival competition Animation is Film in
Los Angeles.
In
Japan, Scarlet it will be released on November 21st both
in traditional rooms and on IMAX screens. In North America, its premiere was
delayed to beginning of 2026, although a limited exhibition will be
maintained before the end of the year for awards purposes.
Hosoda's
most experimental project
Mamoru
Hosoda directs the film, writes the script and is listed as the original
creator. According to statements by the director himself, Scarlet it
does not use traditional 2D animation or the characteristic Hollywood CG style,
but rather proposes one totally new aesthetic for his
filmography.
The
director announced that the film will incorporate elements of action and Romance,
and that is inspired by a “global classic”, although he did not specify which
one. Production is in charge of the recognized Studio Chizu, with
international distribution by Sony Pictures.
The
music and team behind the project
The
actress Mana Ashida, in addition to playing the protagonist, she
plays the main theme “Hateshi naki”. For their part, Maya and Ayumu
Matsuda, from the duo Rikon Densetsu, participate with the song “Shukusai
no Uta”.
The
producer Yūichiro Saitō he confirmed that the film will have
worldwide distribution, reinforcing the international reach that Studio Chizu
has achieved with previous works such as Mirai and BELLE.
With an experimental visual style and a story inspired by a universal classic, Scarlet it is emerging as one of the most striking premieres on the Japanese film scene.
