Exciting Premiere: Mamoru Hosoda's New Anime 'Scarlet' to Debut at Venice Film Festival

The 82nd Venice International Film Festival is set to showcase the world premiere of 'Scarlet', a highly anticipated anime directed by Mamoru Hosoda and produced by Studio Chizu. The festival runs from August 27 to September 6 at Venice Lido, Italy.

Image of Scarlet Image via Scarlet film's website

Film Details and Screenings

Venice International Film Festival: World premiere, out of competition.
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF): North American premiere as a Special Presentation.
Japan Release: November 21, 2025.
U.S. Release: December 12, 2025.

The Story of 'Scarlet'

The film follows Scarlet, a brave princess who travels across space and time to seek revenge. After her father, the king, is murdered, Scarlet's quest leads her to 'The Land of the Dead', a chaotic realm where unfulfilled souls vanish into nothingness. The story explores her relentless journey of vengeance.

Cast Highlights

Mana Ashida as Scarlet, the princess.
Masaki Okada as Hijiri, a nurse from modern Japan.
Yutaka Matsushige as Cornelius, an aide of Claudius.
Kōtarō Yoshida as Voltemand, a knight's leader.
Kōji Yakusho as Claudius, whose conspiracy sparks Scarlet's quest.
Masachika Ichimura as Amulet, Scarlet's father.
Yuki Saitō as Gertrude, Scarlet's mother.

Additional characters include Guildenstern, Rosencrantz, Polonius, Laertes, a mysterious old woman, and a girl Scarlet meets in the Land of the Dead. Interestingly, many characters share names from William Shakespeare's Hamlet.

Creative Vision and Production

Director Mamoru Hosoda is also writing the screenplay and credited for the original work. He emphasizes that the film will feature a completely new visual style, distinct from traditional 2D or Hollywood-style CGI. Hosoda promises a different tone from his previous works, blending action and romance, inspired by a global classic.

Producer Yūichirō Saitō confirmed that the film will have worldwide distribution. In Japan, TOHO will handle the release, while Sony Pictures will distribute internationally, also investing in the project.

Notable Facts

Hosoda's films have traditionally premiered in summer, but this new project will debut in winter.
The film is expected to bring a fresh visual experience and storytelling approach.

Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting anime adventure!