Lionsgate Greenlights Destin Daniel Cretton’s Live‑Action Naruto

Overview

• The studios announced the deal Tuesday, November 3, 2026, confirming Lionsgate will lead development and domestic distribution while Sony covers co‑financing and international release.
• Destin Daniel Cretton is set to write, direct, and produce the adaptation, building on his recent blockbuster success and a new overall deal with Sony.
• Masashi Kishimoto is reported to be closely involved in the film’s development and producers include Avi Arad, Ari Arad, Emmy Yu for Arad Productions and Jeyun Munford for Hisako.
• A worldwide casting search for the core trio of Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura is underway with production slated to start in spring 2027 and early casting rumors, such as Charles Melton as Kakashi, unconfirmed.
• The project is being positioned as a major global event because Naruto has sold more than 250 million manga copies and its anime has reached over 145 territories, which raises high fan expectations and box‑office ambitions for a likely 2028 release window.