One of the most highly regarded anime films ever made, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, directed by Mamoru Hosoda, holds a special place in the hearts of fans who cherish time travel and romantic narratives. It has been quite some time since this iconic filmmaker debuted a new project.
Anime fans can look forward to an exciting announcement that has just been made. On December 23, 2024, during a presentation by Studio Chizu, Hosoda revealed details about his upcoming film, including a teaser visual and a slated release for winter 2025.
The countdown begins for Scarlet, where life and death intertwine in a beautifully crafted tale (Photo: Scarlet/Studio Chizu)The film, titled Scarlet, is both written and directed by Hosoda, who originally conceived the story. It will follow the journey of the protagonist, a “strong princess who transcends time and space.” The newly revealed artwork features Scarlet, showcasing her with a sword and her distinctive reddish-pink, braided hair.
The choice of a winter release for Scarlet is somewhat unconventional, as all of Hosoda’s films released since The Girl Who Leapt Through Time—including Summer Wars, Wolf Children, The Boy and the Beast, Mirai, and the 2021 release Belle—have typically premiered in the summer months, usually in July.
In addition to Hosoda, producer Yuchiro Saito announced that the film will receive international distribution, with Toho handling releases in Japan and Sony Pictures managing the global distribution. It was also mentioned that Sony Pictures made a direct investment in Scarlet.
Describing the film, Hosoda stated that it will explore his most profound themes to date, aiming to “delve into life and death, expressing something universal that everyone experiences.”
The narrative of Scarlet is expected to combine elements of action and romance, presenting a visual style that is entirely original and separate from both traditional 2D and 3D animation. Reports suggest that Sony’s international distribution will introduce “a new form for Japanese animation.”