Sony Pictures is set to co-produce and co-finance the highly anticipated animated film, Scarlet, from Academy Award-nominated director Mamoru Hosoda, known for his influential works such as Mirai, Belle, and Wolf Children. The film is being developed alongside Studio CHIZU and Nippon TV, and will be globally distributed by Sony, with the U.S. release planned for winter 2025. Toho is handling distribution within Japan.
Described as the tale of "a brave princess who transcends time and space," Scarlet marks the first time Sony Pictures has collaborated with Studio CHIZU, the animation studio co-founded by Hosoda and producer Yuichiro Saito back in 2011.
The production team behind Scarlet includes Yuichiro Saito, Toshimi Tanio from Nippon TV, and Nozomu Takahashi from Studio CHIZU. Their combined efforts aim to create yet another animated masterpiece following Hosoda's previous successes, particularly the critically acclaimed Belle, which became his highest-grossing film with approximately $65 million worldwide.
Mamoru Hosoda's career began at Toei Animation where he worked as an animator starting from 1991. He made his feature directorial debut with Digimon Adventure (1999) followed by its sequel Digimon Adventure: Our War Game! (2000). His film, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, released in 2006, gained notable recognition and was celebrated for its innovative storytelling, winning the first Japan Academy Prize for Best Animation.
The director's subsequent project, Summer Wars (2009), received accolades including an Annie Award nomination for Best Director and was showcased at the Berlin International Film Festival. He established Studio CHIZU, intending to explore new creative territories. Productions under this banner include Wolf Children (2012) and The Boy and the Beast (2015).
His recent film, Mirai (2018), earned him yet another Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature, reinforcing his status as one of Japan’s most innovative animation directors. Following this, Belle had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, where it stood out among competitors and has left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.
The upcoming Scarlet is not just another film for Hosoda but signifies his continued evolution as a filmmaker and storyteller within the animation industry. With its ambitious premise and the combined talents of renowned producers and studios, expectations are soaring as audiences await this blend of artistry and adventure.
Overall, Scarlet is poised to be another milestone for Mamoru Hosoda, cementing his legacy as one of contemporary animation's leading figures. Those eager for richly woven stories and stunning animation will surely mark their calendars for this enchanting tale's winter 2025 release.
