Studio Chizu and director Mamoru Hosoda announced that their latest film, Scarlet (Hateshi naki Scarlet, literally Scarlet Without Limits), will hit Japanese theaters on November 21, 2025.
The announcement was made through a teaser trailer released by TOHO Movies. The movie marks a new step in the creative journey of Mamoru Hosoda, who is known for his previous works.
Story About Scarlet
Scarlet tells the story of a princess named Scarlet who fails to avenge the death of her father, the king. After her efforts fail, Scarlet embarks on a journey to "The Land of the Dead," a world filled with madness, where souls who cannot settle their grudges become "nothing" and vanished.
The movie explores the theme of travel that more than imagination, endless battle, and meeting of destinies that transcends the boundaries of time and space. Along the way, Scarlet must face emotional challenges, trapped in an endless cycle of revenge. Set against the backdrop of a dark world that is typical in the genre of dark fantasyThe movie focuses on Scarlet's struggle against fate in an unfamiliar world, questioning whether she can break out of the unbroken cycle of revenge or become further entangled in it.
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New Production and Visual Style
Mamoru Hosoda is fully responsible for Scarlet as director, screenwriter, and creator of the original story. He revealed that the movie develops a new visual style that aims to provide a different viewing experience from his previous works.
This movie uses full CG to create a dynamic world, featuring apocalyptic battle and mythological creatures with a dark and tense atmosphere, which makes it part of the genre of dark fantasy.
Hosoda revealed that the idea to create Scarlet comes around March 2022, after he senses the dramatic changes in the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the geopolitical tensions that have arisen in its wake.
In an official statement released alongside the movie announcement, Hosoda said:
"During the pandemic, the world was united in facing challenges, but afterwards, tensions and wars escalated. Our world feels fragile, and this prompted me to make a movie that explores the question of how we live in an unpeaceful world."
The movie focuses on the theme endless revengeIt is an emotional challenge for every individual caught up in the cycle.
Global Distribution and Screening in Indonesia
Distribution Scarlet in Japan will be handled by TOHO, while Sony Pictures is in charge of international distribution. Sony Pictures is also investing in this project to strengthen its global reach.
In Indonesia, CGV has confirmed that Scarlet will air exclusively in their network of theaters. Although the exact date is yet to be announced, fans in Indonesia can look forward to seeing the movie in the near future after its release in Japan.
Different Release Schedule from Previous Works
Comic Natalie noted that since The Girl Who Leapt Through TimeMamoru Hosoda's movies are usually released in Japan in the summer. However, Scarlet will air in the winter, which is quite a difference from previous release patterns.
This change is part of Hosoda's effort to bring something new to the various aspects of the movie's production and presentation.
Mamoru Hosoda at a glance
Mamoru Hosoda is a renowned anime director known for works such as The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Summer Wars, Wolf Children, The Boy and the Beast, and Belle. Through his distinctive visual approach and stories about family, growing up, and fantasy worlds, Hosoda has built a reputation as one of the most influential creators in the Japanese animation industry.
Via ScarletHosoda presents something different from his previous work, carrying the theme of endless revenge that becomes an emotional challenge for the main character.
Sources: TOHO Movies YouTube channel, Comic Natalie, CGV Instagram
© 2025 CHIZU STUDIO
