Renowned director Mamoru Hosoda, celebrated for works like Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo (The Girl Who Leapt Through Time) and Ryuu to Sobakasu no Hime (Belle), has announced his latest anime movie, Hateshinaki Scarlet (Scarlet). The movie is slated for a Winter 2025 release, marking Hosoda's first winter debut since his summer releases became a staple of his portfolio.

In Hateshinaki Scarlet, Hosoda delves into one of his most profound themes yet: life and death. While the exact plot remains under wraps, Hosoda described the project as "an entertainment piece with action, romance, and adventure, aiming to inspire audiences to move forward in an uncertain world." Inspired by a global classic, the movie introduces Scarlet, a resolute princess navigating a harsh, war-torn environment in pursuit of boundless hope.

The movie's visual approach also marks a departure from Hosoda's past works. The director aims to create a look that transcends traditional 2D anime and Hollywood CG animation, forging a groundbreaking style that broadens the horizons of animation.

Hateshinaki Scarlet will be distributed worldwide, with TOHO handling the Japanese release and Sony Pictures taking charge internationally. Notably, Sony Pictures is co-funding the movie, signaling a fresh model of collaboration for Japanese anime on a global scale. Producer Yuuichirou Saitou of Studio Chizu expressed hopes for the movie to "expand the opportunities for Japanese cinema in the global market," likening the partnership to Studio Ghibli's past collaborations with Disney.

The super teaser visual unveiled at the press conference offers a glimpse into Scarlet's character. A princess armed with a sword, her tattered attire and fierce gaze reflect her resilience in a world of adversity. Hosoda hinted at a second key character, possibly from a different era, suggesting that the movie will explore relationships through the lens of a "buddy" or "road movie" dynamic.

The title Hateshinaki Scarlet reflects themes of boundless time and space, with Hosoda drawing inspiration from classic literature and science fiction, such as Komatsu Sakyou's 1966 novel Hateshinaki Nagare no Hate ni (At the End of the Endless Stream).

Hosoda emphasized his commitment to pushing the boundaries of animation, both thematically and visually. "This will be one of the most challenging themes I've ever tackled, addressing universal emotions that resonate with audiences worldwide," he said. Despite the ambitious scope, Hosoda admitted that completing the project on time remains a daunting challenge.

Hateshinaki Scarlet promises to be a landmark work in Hosoda's career, combining cutting-edge animation techniques, a compelling narrative, and global aspirations.

Source: Comic Natalie, Oricon News, Eiga.com

Hateshinaki Scarlet on MAL