6 days ago
First Look: Mamoru Hosoda's Upcoming Movie 'Scarlet' Drops New Trailer and Preview Images
A new trailer and official preview images have just dropped for 'Scarlet,' the highly anticipated new film from visionary director Mamoru Hosoda. The film will be released in Japan on November 21, 2025, with a release in the United States following on December 12, 2025.
New Trailer and Previews!
"Scarlet, live on—"
Scarlet, buffeted by a harsh fate, and Hijiri, who extends a helping hand. Claudius, the nemesis who corners them both.
A 90-second trailer, offering a glimpse into crucial scenes from director Mamoru Hosoda's latest and most-awaited work, was unveiled on 'Summer Wars Day.'
August 1st is known as "Summer Wars Day," commemorating the 2009 release of "Summer Wars" and the birthday of Grandma Sakae, a key character in the story. Fittingly, the film was broadcast on Nippon TV's "Friday Roadshow" on this very day.
Following the main broadcast, a 30-second teaser for Hosoda's latest work, "Scarlet," premiered on a major network in Japan. Now, an extended 90-second version of that teaser has been unveiled.
The trailer opens with shocking scenes: Princess Scarlet (voiced by Mana Ashida) traveling alone through the Land of the Dead in tatters, and Claudius (voiced by Koji Yakusho) executing Scarlet's father, Amlet (voiced by Masachika Ichimura), declaring, "Traitors must be punished..."
Scarlet, burning with intense desire for revenge against Claudius, encounters Hijiri (voiced by Masaki Okada), a Japanese nurse who should be living in the modern world. Hijiri, unsure why he's lost in the Land of the Dead, ends up traveling with Scarlet.
Even as assassins sent by Claudius repeatedly target them, Hijiri tries to persuade Scarlet to stop fighting and offers kind words despite her rejections. His actions begin to stir something in Scarlet, who has lived solely for revenge. The trailer promises to grip viewers, making them yearn to discover the answers to questions like "What does it mean to live?" and "What is love?" that lie beyond "revenge," as they watch these two characters struggle desperately.
*"Kinyo Roadshow," or "Friday Roadshow," is a long-running, popular movie program in Japan that airs a feature film every Friday.
Get to Know the Characters of 'Scarlet' with the New Preview Images from the Film
Fresh scene cuts have been released, capturing Scarlet and Hijiri's clashes, mutual support, and determination to survive in the "Land of the Dead."
Additionally, we're treated to a variety of character shots: the antagonist Claudius with his stern expression, heartwarming flashbacks of Scarlet with her kind father Amlet, and intriguing glimpses of complex characters like Voltemand (played by Kotaro Yoshida), Gertrude (played by Yuki Saito), and Cornelius (played by Yutaka Matsushige).
Among the released images, there's even a hint of a massive "dragon"! What role will this creature play in Scarlet and Hijiri's adventure? You'll have to watch the show to find out!
In the "madness"-filled Land of the Dead, what "choice" awaits Princess Scarlet at the end of her endless journey?
Get ready for an epic tale that will challenge every viewer to ponder the meaning of life and love.
About "Scarlet"
Coming to U.S. theaters on December 12, 2025!
Introduction
Youth, family ties, parental love, friendship beyond species, the cycle of life, reality and virtual worlds...
These are the themes that have captivated audiences not only in Japan but around the globe, as masterfully explored by animation film director Mamoru Hosoda.
In his latest work, "Scarlet," Hosoda ventures into uncharted territory, both in storytelling and visual expression.
The protagonist of this film is Princess Scarlet, who has sworn revenge against those who killed her father, the king.
Awakening in the "Land of the Dead," she embarks on a journey fueled by her desire for vengeance.
Along the way, she encounters a young nurse from the modern world, forming a connection that transcends time. As trust and affection grow between them, Scarlet's heart begins to change in this moving tale.
This story confronts all viewers with the fundamental question: "What does it mean to be alive?" Moreover, the film marks a departure from Hosoda's previous style, challenging conventional animation techniques. The result is a world brimming with madness, depicted neither in traditional 2D nor 3D, but through overwhelming visuals that are both grand and vivid.
"Scarlet" is set for worldwide distribution, with Sony Pictures Entertainment joining as a production partner. From Japan to the world, this film is poised to make its mark on a global scale.
Nineteen years have passed since "The Girl Who Leapt Through Time." Throughout his career, Director Mamoru Hosoda has consistently explored grand themes and inner worlds. The underlying spirit of his work remains unchanged, gripping the hearts of all who watch and stirring them profoundly.
Story
Dead, Alive, and Learned to Love
Princess Scarlet, having failed in her revenge against her father, awakens in the "Land of the Dead."
This is a world of madness where people indulge in looting and violence, and those without power or who are wounded become "void," their existence disappearing entirely.
Upon learning that her uncle Claudius, who killed her father and usurped the throne, is also in this world, Scarlet renews her vow of vengeance with fierce determination.
Amidst this, she encounters Hijiri, a nurse who has arrived from modern-day Japan. These two, who have met across time, initially clash but eventually decide to journey through the "Land of the Dead" together.
Scarlet, who knows no way to live other than fighting, and Hijiri, who wishes to avoid conflict at all costs.
As Hijiri treats Scarlet's wounded body and shows kindness to both friend and foe alike, her warm personality gradually begins to thaw Scarlet's frozen heart.
Meanwhile, Claudius, having discovered the "Unseen Place" that everyone in the "Land of the Dead" dreams of, incites and manipulates the masses in an attempt to claim it for himself. Upon hearing that Scarlet is searching for him to exact her revenge, he mercilessly sends assassins to turn her into "void."
Scarlet and Hijiri, while fighting off the successive waves of assassins, also set their sights on the "Unseen Place" in their quest to find Claudius.
As they approach their fateful encounter, at the end of their endless journey, what "decision" will Scarlet ultimately reach?
Staff
Original Story, Screenplay, and Director: Mamoru Hosoda
Planning and Production: Studio Chizu
Cast
Mana Ashida
Masaki Okada
Kazuhiro Yamaji, Tokio Emoto, Munetaka Aoki, Shota Sometani, Noa Shirayama / Kayoko Shiraishi
Kotaro Yoshida / Yuki Saito / Yutaka Matsushige
Masachika Ichimura
Koji Yakusho
Official Website
Official X (＠studio_chizu)
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©2025 STUDIO CHIZU
*Some parts of this text have been translated using machine translation
