Mamoru Hosoda's 'Scarlet' Anime Film Bolsters Voice Cast with Four New Stars

The excitement surrounding Mamoru Hosoda's upcoming anime epic, Scarlet, has reached a fever pitch with the recent announcement of four distinguished voice actors joining its already stellar ensemble. This news significantly amplifies the anticipation for what promises to be a deeply moving and visually stunning cinematic experience.

Esteemed Talents Join the Cast

Renowned talents Mamoru Miyano and Kenjiro Tsuda are set to lend their distinctive voices to two enigmatic gravediggers, characters featured in a pivotal dream sequence. Their involvement is expected to add profound layers of intrigue to the narrative. This collaboration marks Miyano's third venture with the visionary director Hosoda, following his acclaimed performances in The Boy and The Beast and BELLE. Tsuda, meanwhile, makes a welcome return to Hosoda's work after his memorable role in BELLE. Further enriching the cast, industry veterans Michio Hazama and Toshio Furukawa are making their highly anticipated debut in a Mamoru Hosoda film, promising fresh and compelling interpretations for this animated masterpiece.

Leading the charge in this ambitious project are Mana Ashida, who embodies Scarlet, a medieval princess driven by an unwavering quest for vengeance, and Masaki Okada, portraying Hijiri, a modern-day Japanese nurse whose destiny becomes intricately intertwined with Scarlet's. Scarlet plunges audiences into a mesmerizing, time-bending journey born from a father's brutal murder. The film explores profound themes of revenge, healing, and the arduous path to breaking cycles of hatred, promising a narrative that is both intense and emotionally resonant.

Produced by the acclaimed Studio Chizu, with Mamoru Hosoda himself at the helm as both director and writer, Scarlet is poised to deliver a deeply complex emotional experience. It masterfully weaves together intense action, heartfelt romance, and poignant drama, a signature of Hosoda's distinctive storytelling style. His ability to craft narratives that resonate on multiple levels is once again expected to shine through.

Having already captivated international critics at its world premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival and its North American debut at the Toronto International Film Festival, Scarlet has generated immense global buzz. The strategic casting of these celebrated voice artists is expected to imbue the film's intricate characters with extraordinary depth and nuance, further intensifying fan excitement.

As the Japanese premiere approaches on November 21, 2025, the anticipation for Scarlet continues to build. With its compelling story, visionary direction, and now an even stronger voice cast, the film is set to be a significant event in the anime calendar.