Sony Pictures will co-finance and manage international distribution for the upcoming live-Action adaptation of the Naruto franchise, following a competitive bidding process among multiple studios. Lionsgate retains the rights to the project, which is set to commence production in the spring of 2027. The film will be directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, known for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Cretton will also serve as a producer through his company Hisako alongside Jeyun Munford.
The production team includes Avi Arad, Ari Arad, and Emmy Yu from Arad Productions, along with Jeremy Latcham. While the current creative lineup is confirmed, the project has seen significant personnel changes over the years. In 2015, Lionsgate secured the adaptation rights and initially approached Michael Gracey to direct, with original creator Masashi Kishimoto involved in early discussions. Script duties have shifted among various writers, including Jon and Erich Hoeber in 2017, before Tasha Huo was reported in November 2023 as working on the screenplay for Lionsgate.
Casting efforts are already underway. The official Naruto franchise website announced a global search for actors to portray the main characters Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura on July 10. Additionally, reports indicate that Charles Melton is in final negotiations to play the mentoring ninja Kakashi Hatake. It remains unclear if previous staff members attached to the project prior to Huo are still involved.
The source material, launched by Kishimoto in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1999 and concluded in November 2014, has expanded into a vast multimedia franchise including anime series, films, novels, stage plays, and video games. The original creator is also set to launch a new manga titled Naruto Shadow Rising.
Sources: Anime News Network.