Acclaimed anime director Mamoru Hosoda has announced his next project, Scarlet, his first directorial work since 2021’s Belle (The Dragon and the Freckled Princess).

Scarlet will be produced by Studio Chizu with producer Yuichiro Saito joining Hosoda, the latter of whom is not only directing but writing the script and serving as the original creator (via Comic Natalie).

A worldwide release for Scarlet is planned with TOHO distributing the film in Japan and Sony Pictures handling international distribution (Sony also invested in the film). While all of Hosoda’s films since The Girl Who Leapt Through Time have been released in summer, Scarlet will be released sometime in winter 2025.

Details on the film are scant but the first artwork, shown above, was revealed alongside a tease of the titular character, Scarlet, who is described as “a “strong princess who transcends time and space.”

Hosoda introduced the film by saying “It expresses the biggest theme of all time, something universal that everyone has, as if it delves into life and death.”

He added, “You may feel that this film is different from my previous works,” and said he’s been working on a film that has action and romance elements. Hosoda also said the film is based on a world classic story.

In terms of how the film will look, Hosoda said “I’m aiming for a completely new look that is neither 2D animation nor Hollywood-style CG animation,” adding that he is taking on new challenges.