Naruto is getting a live-action film, and it seems quite promising. That’s because it was announced on February 23 that Shang-Chi director Destin Daniel Cretton is writing and directing the live-action Naruto movie.
This upcoming film has been in development for years now, with the latest official update being made back in November 2023. At the time, the film’s new screenwriter was revealed.
Finally, more details have been shared, which should delight Naruto fans. After all, this project comes with the blessing of series creator Masashi Kishimoto.
All You Need to Know About the Naruto Live-Action Movie
The past years have seen many live-action anime adaptations such as Netflix’s Cowboy Bebop and One Piece. Even before this trend, the Naruto live-action film has long been in development.
Lionsgate initially announced plans for a Naruto movie way back in 2015.
At the time, Avi Arad’s Arad Productions was handling production duties, with Michael Gracey (of The Greatest Showman fame) being tapped to direct.
Since then, there hasn’t been much news about the film. In November 2023 though, a new update came, which revealed that Tasha Huo (of the Tomb Raider animated series) is set to work on the film’s script.
Finally, more details have been shared on February 23 as a new director has been confirmed to helm the project.
Destin Daniel Cretton Tapped to Be Naruto Live Action Director
Michael Gracey will no longer be the film’s director, as Lionsgate revealed that Destin Daniel Cretton (of Shang-Chi fame) is directing and writing the live-action Naruto film.
The movie is still being produced alongside Arad Productions. What isn’t clear is if the movie will still be co-written by Tasha Huo.
What's clear is that Masashi Kishimoto approves of Cretton. In a report by The Hollywood Reporter, Kishimoto revealed that he met with Cretton and that he thinks the Shang-Chi director will be perfect for the film.
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Naruto Live-Action Film Release Date Predictions
Live-action anime projects don’t have the best track record, but there’s reason to be excited about this. After all, Kishimoto also confirmed that he will be part of the film’s production process.
With Cretton at the helm, it seems that the Naruto live-action movie will finally start production, though it remains to be seen if it will start this year.
Even if it does start production in 2024, chances are that the live-action Naruto movie will be released in 2026 at the earliest.
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