Legendary Director Mamoru Hosoda’s Next Movie Finally Gets U.S. Release Date

by

In approximately four years since his last production, acclaimed director Mamoru Hosoda will be back in cinemas with an entirely fresh animated movie titled “Scarlet”. Sony Pictures has made the announcement on their platform, previously known as Twitter, revealing that the film is scheduled to premiere in U.S. theaters on December 12th, 2025. To go along with this exciting news, they also unveiled a new poster. This development is certainly welcomed by fans who have been eagerly anticipating Hosoda’s next endeavor.

Although details about the storyline remain under wraps, what we know so far suggests a tale about a princess who journeys across time and dimensions. This epic narrative is part of what has earned Hosoda widespread acclaim as one of Japan’s leading directors today. He is directing, writing the script, and devising the original concept for the film, making it a true reflection of his unique vision. For fans eager to learn more, they can visit the movie’s official X account below.

After Four Years, Hosoda Is Back

Excitedly speaking here, I can’t wait to share that I’ve just gotten wind of the fresh poster for #ScarletMovie! This masterpiece is directed by none other than the brilliant Mamoru Hosoda, who earned an Academy Award nomination for Mirai. Get ready, because it’s heading exclusively to cinemas on December 12th! Can’t wait to see this on the big screen!

— Scarlet Movie (@ScarletTheMovie) July 3, 2025

After his critically acclaimed and successful 2021 movie Belle, Hosoda is returning to cinemas with his latest production titled Scarlet. This film, set for release in Japan on November 21 and North America on December 12, marks his first new project in four years. As a result, it’s one of the most eagerly awaited animated films slated for 2025.

The film centers around a valiant princess named Scarlet, possessing the unique ability to traverse through time and dimensions. Tragically, her father, the king, meets his untimely demise, leading Scarlet to seek vengeance. However, instead of achieving justice, she finds herself transported to the Realm of the Departed, a tumultuous land brimming with disorder and insanity. This narrative carries a somber tone compared to Hosoda’s typical works, exploring heavy themes such as mourning, vengeance, and atonement.

The director’s past projects have consistently expanded the limits of animated storytelling, such as delving into the digital realm in “Summer Wars” and depicting time travel in “Mirai”. In 2018, his film “Mirai” was Oscar-nominated for Best Animated Feature and positioned him among the world’s leading animation directors.

A Strategic Partnership with Sony

The upcoming animated film is being jointly created by Studio Chizu, led by director Hosoda, and Nippon TV. Interestingly, this is the first collaboration between Studio Chizu and Sony Pictures. Notably, Studio Chizu has previously produced successful films such as “Wolf Children” and “Belle”, directed by Hosoda. This partnership signifies Sony’s confidence in Hosoda’s creative direction and their belief that the movie could garner critical acclaim and commercial success at the box office.

The partnership between Studio Chizu and Sony joins animation skills with global distribution channels, ensuring that “Scarlet” receives the international recognition it merits. Not only does Sony contribute to production and financing of the film, but they will also debut it in the U.S. on December 12 – a time ideally suited for significant movie releases, as it coincides with both holiday festivities and awards season.

In recent years, December has been a profitable time frame for animated movies, as demonstrated by Studio Ghibli’s The Boy and the Heron, which garnered both critical praise and award recognition in 2023. Sony is following suit with their release of Scarlet, suggesting they are optimistic about its potential to win awards. Their faith in the film’s quality is evident, as they believe it will shine among other high-profile releases.

The Legacy Continues

Hosoda boasts over three decades of experience in the animation industry, having started as an animator at Toei Animation in 1991 and subsequently rising to prominence as one of Japan’s most revered directors. Often likened to Hayao Miyazaki due to his striking visual aesthetics and relatable narratives, Hosoda has carved a unique voice and style for himself that sets him apart. While Hosoda acknowledges Miyazaki’s influence on him, he has also expressed disagreements, particularly concerning Miyazaki’s portrayal of female characters.

In a fresh and exciting development for Hosoda, Scarlet could mark not just a comeback but the beginning of a new creative phase in his career. The narrative delves into profound themes such as retribution, grief, and the journey across different realms, demonstrating that his storytelling is continually evolving. With its release scheduled for December, cinema enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly anticipating whether this film will further cement Hosoda’s status as an award-winning sensation and bolster his enduring legacy.

Read More

2025-07-08 21:11