Lionsgate has partnered with Sony Pictures on its live-action adaptation of Naruto. Sony will co-finance the film and distribute it internationally, while Lionsgate will oversee development and production and handle domestic distribution. The project was greenlit for production, which is slated to begin in spring 2027.
Destin Daniel Cretton is writing, directing and producing the film. The filmmaker said he is a longtime fan of Naruto and wants the adaptation to retain the story’s heart, humor and humanity while introducing it to a new generation.
The film is based on Masashi Kishimoto’s manga, which follows Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who hopes to lead his village and carries the spirit of a nine-tailed demon fox within him. The manga was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 1999 to 2014 and later inspired animated series.
Charles Melton is the only actor currently attached to the project. He is reported to be playing Kakashi Hatake, a mentor to Naruto and his friends, while casting for the title role is underway.
Avi Arad, Ari Arad and Emmy Yu are producing for Arad Productions. Cretton is also producing with Jeyun Munford through his company, Hisako. Lionsgate executives Erin Westerman and James Myers are overseeing the project.
Sources: The Hollywood Reporter.