Mamoru Hosoda never disappoints—his track record from Summer Wars to Belle shows he consistently delivers visually stunning and emotionally resonant films. The premise sounds darker than his usual work; a revenge story in the Land of the Dead is a departure from his typically hopeful narratives. IMAX release is perfect for his animation style; Studio Chizu's gorgeous visuals deserve to be experienced on the biggest screen possible.

19 days after the Japanese premiere, Toho Movie's official YouTube channel started streaming the first seven minutes of Mamoru Hosoda's latest anime feature film Scarlet ("Hateshinaki Scarlet" in Japan).

WATCH THE FIRST SEVEN MINUTES: Scarlet First Seven Minutes

Japanese Release Performance

As Hosoda's first feature film in four years since Belle in 2021, Scarlet opened in 388 theaters across Japan on November 21, and ranked third in the Japanese box office weekend ranking in its debut weekend.

Special Format Screenings

Screenings will begin at special format theaters starting December 13 in Japan:

• Dolby Cinema

• MX4D

• 4DX

• SCREENX

• ULTRA 4DX

Limited Edition Distribution

To commemorate the worldwide theatrical release and large-format screenings, limited-edition mini-color papers featuring illustrations of seven heroines drawn by director Mamoru Hosoda—including Scarlet from the movie—will be distributed at the theaters.

U.S. Release Schedule

Sony Pictures Classics will release the film in the United States:

• December 12, 2025: One-week run in IMAX theaters in 10 cities

• February 6, 2026: Another IMAX opening

• February 13, 2026: Nationwide release

Production Details

Director/Writer: Mamoru Hosoda Production/Planning: Studio Chizu

The Story

Synopsis: "After failing to avenge her father's murder, Princess Scarlet wakes up in the 'Land of the Dead.' In this world filled with madness, if she does not achieve her revenge against her nemesis and reach the 'No End Place,' she will become 'Void' and cease to exist. Can Scarlet find a way to live at the end of her endless journey?"

Are you planning to see Scarlet in IMAX? What do you think of the darker premise? Which Mamoru Hosoda film is your favorite? Will you watch the first seven minutes? Share your thoughts in the comments below!