The realm of anime-to-live-action adaptations continues to make waves, especially following the recent release of Netflix’s “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” Now, according to an exclusive report from THR, another beloved anime, “Naruto,” is set to make its big-screen debut in a live-action adaptation.
Lionsgate has officially announced that Destin Daniel Cretton, known for his work on “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” will be at the helm of this highly anticipated project.
With a massive fanbase spanning the globe, “Naruto” has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, making its transition to live-action cinema a cause for immense anticipation. Notably, Cretton’s “Shang-Chi” was heavily influenced by anime aesthetics, drawing inspiration from titles like “Attack on Titan” and “Dragon Ball.”
Created by Masashi Kishimoto, “Naruto” first graced the pages of manga in 1999, captivating audiences with the tale of Naruto Uzumaki, an ambitious young ninja harboring a powerful secret – the spirit of a dragon. Serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump, “Naruto” has achieved worldwide acclaim, with over 250 million copies sold across 60 countries.
Masashi Kishimoto expressed his enthusiasm for Cretton’s involvement, stating, “When I heard of Destin’s attachment…I thought he would be the perfect director for Naruto.” Kishimoto praised Cretton’s ability to craft compelling dramas and welcomed his collaborative approach to the project.
Behind the scenes, Lionsgate has been developing the “Naruto” movie since late 2015, with Cretton joined by producer Jeyun Munford and the experienced team of Avi Arad, Ari Arad, Emmy Yu, and Jeremy Latcham.
“Naruto” has left an indelible mark on popular culture, spawning numerous animated adaptations aired on major networks. As the live-action journey begins, fans eagerly await further updates, though a release date for the movie remains unspecified.