Japanese animation director Mamoru Hosoda unveiled plans for his newest film “Scarlet,” backed by an unprecedented partnership between TOHO and Sony Pictures Entertainment.
The announcement, made at TOHO Cinemas Hibiya in Tokyo, marks the first time a major Hollywood studio has co-funded and secured global distribution rights for a Japanese animated feature. TOHO will handle domestic distribution while Sony Pictures takes charge of international markets.
Producer Yuichiro Saito noted that the longer-than-usual four-and-a-half-year gap since Hosoda’s last film “Belle” stems from the project’s ambitious scope. Breaking from his traditional summer releases, Hosoda chose a winter 2025 premiere, suggesting a darker thematic tone.
The film centers on a princess embarking on a time-bending adventure, drawing inspiration from a well-known classic story. Hosoda, who will write and direct, plans to introduce new animation techniques that deviate from both traditional cell and CGI styles.
The collaboration signals a shift in Japanese animation’s global reach, following Hosoda’s previous international successes including an Oscar nomination for “Mirai” and “Belle’s” world premiere at Cannes Film Festival.
