Mamoru Hosoda’s new anime film Scarlet (JP: 果てしなきスカーレット, Hateshinaki Scarlet) has unveiled its lead cast and main poster visual. Mana Ashida has been cast as the protagonist, a medieval princess named Scarlet, while Masaki Okada will voice Hijiri, a modern-day Japanese nurse.

Scarlet is a kind-hearted royal who deeply admires her peace-loving father. However, after witnessing his brutal death, she becomes consumed by revenge, descending into madness. Meanwhile, Hijiri accidentally wanders into the "land of the dead" from present-day Japan and encounters the wounded Scarlet. Devoted to healing others, Hijiri offers his help to Scarlet without expecting anything in return. Although Scarlet initially resists, their bond gradually deepens, and Hijiri becomes her steadfast companion throughout her journey.

Mana Ashida delivers a dual performance, portraying both the 19-year-old Scarlet and her younger self. Director Hosoda praised her, saying, “Ashida brought Scarlet to life in a way only she could. Her intense performance left me in awe time and again during recording. She fully inhabits the role of a revenge-driven medieval princess with stunning emotional depth. Beneath the rage and madness, she reveals Scarlet’s hidden purity and humanity. Her acting is one of the film’s highlights.”

This marks Masaki Okada’s first time voicing a character in a feature-length animated film. Hosoda commented, “Okada is a skilled, sincere, and humble actor. Through him, I felt I could truly understand who Hijiri is. Hijiri carries a proactive resolve regarding life and death, along with a gentle compassion for someone like Scarlet, who is consumed by vengeance. That duality mirrors Okada’s own personality. It felt like the role and the actor fit perfectly.”

Ashida and Okada reunite for the first time in five years since their film Child of the Stars, and both are making their first appearance in a Hosoda-directed work. Notably, Scarlet was produced using a pre-scoring (presco) method for the first time in Hosoda’s filmography. The voice recordings by Ashida and Okada were completed a year prior, and later synchronized with the animation. While their presco sessions were done separately, they recorded their final dubbing together. Ashida reflected, “Being able to record together made it easier to portray the dynamic between Scarlet and Hijiri.” Okada added, “This experience was deeply meaningful for me. I’m truly glad I got to work with Director Hosoda.”

The newly released poster visual features Hijiri in a nurse uniform, carrying a rescue bag and a bow and arrows. Beside him, Scarlet wields a sword, supported by Hijiri as they stand together in battle.

Cast Comments

Mana Ashida (as Scarlet)

Scarlet is a 19-year-old medieval princess, just like my own age, but her values and inner world are very different, which made it a tough role to tackle. The director advised me, ‘A 19-year-old in the Middle Ages would be nothing like a modern-day teenager—she must carry the awareness and resolve of a princess.’ I researched historical figures like Joan of Arc and Queen Elizabeth I to prepare for the role. I imagined what it would feel like to be consumed by revenge—how you'd need to raise your voice to fight back. In the scenes where Scarlet screams, I initially felt unsure, but once I gave it my all, there was a moment where I felt something click. That’s when the role started to feel more natural.

Though Scarlet may seem mad with vengeance, her situation makes her sympathetic. I think viewers will find her earnest drive moving. The film depicts people striving to live through chaos, and I was touched by their resilience. I believe audiences will find hope in this story, just as I did.

Masaki Okada (as Hijiri)
This was my first time voicing a character in a feature-length anime, and I found it incredibly challenging to express emotions using only my voice. I have newfound respect for voice actors.

Hijiri, the character I played, is an idealist—someone who selflessly helps others without expecting anything in return. I wanted to portray him as someone who acts like a sheath to Scarlet’s blade, offering support and empathy. There are moments when Scarlet lashes out at him, but I believe Hijiri is the kind of person the world truly needs right now.

Through his character, I hope audiences will reflect on kindness and sincerity—whether we should expect it from others, or embody it ourselves. As a long-time fan of Hosoda’s work, it feels surreal to be a part of his world. Honestly, part of me wishes I could have experienced the film fresh, as a fan. I look forward to its completion, and I hope everyone else is excited too.”