The live-action Naruto film, backed by Lionsgate, is launching a global casting call, seeking to fill the role of the beloved Team 7 trio of Naruto, Sasuke ,and Sakura. Additional casting for supporting roles will follow once the main three are filled.
Plans for the film were first announced in 2024 by Lionsgate, when it was also announced that Destin Danniel Cretton would serve as director, the filmmaker best known for Marvel’s Shang-Chi as well as the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The film is being made with the blessing of Naruto creator Masashi Kishimo. Earlier this week, the project surged back to life with a post on the official Naruto X account and Cretton’s personal Instagram.
“Right now, miracles are happening to me, one after another. My work, ‘Naruto,’ is truly, truly becoming a Hollywood movie! And an even greater miracle is that the film will be directed by the one and only Destin Daniel Cretton. I still cannot believe it!” Kishimoto said in a statement, “If so many miracles have already come together, then let us hope for even more. I am eagerly looking forward to the miraculous encounters that will bring us extraordinary and passionate actors! I cannot wait to meet my characters in the film!”
Cretton added onto this by saying, “Kishimoto-sensei’s stories have inspired generations of fans around the world, and it’s an honor to bring his world and characters to the big screen in live action for the very first time. I’m thrilled to kick off this worldwide casting search for our Team 7 and to bring the incredible universe of ‘Naruto’ to life!”
We don’t currently know any plot details of the live-action film, but it’s easy to assume that it will adapt the beginning arcs of the manga and anime, showing the meeting of Team 7 and their early days. Naruto has consistently been one of the most popular anime and manga franchises in the world since its debut in 1999, with just the manga selling over 250 million copies to date.
There is currently no official release date or window for the live-action Naruto film.
