Regarded as one of the finest anime films, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, directed by Mamoru Hosoda, is beloved by fans who appreciate tales of time travel intertwined with romance. It has been a while since this esteemed director has introduced a new project.
Anime enthusiasts have reason to celebrate, as an exciting announcement has just been revealed. During a presentation on December 23, 2024, at Studio Chizu, Hosoda shared details about his forthcoming film, which includes a teaser visual and plans for a winter 2025 release.
Mamoru Hosoda returns to the big screen with Scarlet a film that explores universal themes through a unique lens (Photo: Mamoru Hosoda/Studio Chizu and Nippon TV)
Titled Scarlet, the film is both written and directed by Hosoda, who developed the story concept. It will center on the adventures of a “strong princess who transcends time and space.” The recently revealed artwork depicts Scarlet wielding a sword, her hair styled in distinctive reddish-pink braids.
The decision to release Scarlet in winter is a departure from Hosoda’s previous works, all of which have traditionally premiered in the summer, typically in July. His films, including Summer Wars, Wolf Children, The Boy and the Beast, Mirai, and Belle (released in 2021), have all followed this summer trend.
Alongside Hosoda, producer Yuchiro Saito confirmed that the film will be distributed internationally, with Toho managing the releases in Japan and Sony Pictures overseeing global distribution. It was also revealed that Sony Pictures made a direct investment in Scarlet.
Hosoda described the film as an exploration of his deepest themes to date, aiming to “delve into life and death, expressing something universal that everyone experiences.”
The story of Scarlet is anticipated to blend action and romance, showcasing a unique visual style that distinguishes itself from both traditional 2D and 3D animation. Reports indicate that Sony’s international distribution is poised to introduce “a new form for Japanese animation.”
