Sony Moves Wide Release For Momaru Hosoda’s ‘Scarlet’ To 2026

Sony Pictures Classics has pushed the wide North American theatrical release of Mamoru Hosoda’s latest feature, Scarlet, to early 2026, although no specific date is yet available. The film was initially supposed to hit theaters on December 12 of this year, but will now only get a limited awards-qualifying run in 2025.

The decision makes sense as the highly anticipated film is building a strong awards season resume, and major nominations could bolster its eventual box office return. Scarlet will world premiere out of competition at the Venice International Film Festival on September 4 and get later screenings at both Toronto and New York.

In the film, a medieval princess embarks on a quest to avenge her father’s death. Gravely injured and trapped in an Otherworld between life and death, she encounters a young man from the present day who challenges her to imagine a future free from vengeance. When she faces her father’s killer again, Scarlet must decide whether to continue the cycle of hatred or embrace a new path.

Hosoda, who co-founded Studio Chizu with producer Yuichiro Saito, said the story reflects a global need for compassion:

As we witness heartbreaking conflicts around the world, I believe that finding love and choosing to live together in unity is what will lead us towards something better. That’s why I want to share this new film with the world — now more than ever.

The film is produced by Saito and Nozomu Takahashi for Studio Chizu and Toshimi Tanio for Nippon TV, with Sony Pictures co-producing and co-financing.

Sony Pictures Classics praised the project as “a masterful work from a world-class filmmaker,” positioning Scarlet as one of the most anticipated animated releases heading into 2026.