The live-action movie is now targeting the first half of 2027 for production, putting the project on a more concrete timeline after years of development.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Destin Daniel Cretton is now turning his attention back to the Lionsgate adaptation after releasing “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.” Cretton has been attached to the “Naruto” project since before taking on the Marvel film, and he is set to write and direct the title.
Destin Daniel Cretton Is Returning to the ‘Naruto’ Movie
Cretton’s involvement gives the adaptation a director with recent experience handling a major comic book property. His latest picture, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” became a major theatrical success following its July 31 release, starring Tom Holland as Peter Parker alongside Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Jacob Batalon and others.
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The filmmaker previously directed “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” making “Naruto” his next major franchise project after working within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His move from one established property to another also places him at the center of a particularly high-profile adaptation, given the worldwide popularity of Masashi Kishimoto‘s manga.
The “Naruto” movie is being developed by Lionsgate, with Avi Arad, Ari Arad and Kishimoto attached as producers. Cretton has also worked directly with Kishimoto on the project, traveling to Tokyo to meet the manga creator and secure his blessing for the adaptation.
The project has also reached the casting stage. A worldwide search is underway for young actors between the ages of 16 and 20 to potentially play Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno, the members of Team 7 at the center of the story’s early chapters.
