The live-action adaptation of Naruto appears to be gaining traction, with Destiny Daniel Cretton, the director of Shang-Chi, joining the project. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Cretton has been tapped by Lionsgate, which is also responsible for the upcoming Borderlands adaptation, to helm the film.
The decision to enlist Cretton came after Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto spent time with him in Tokyo and became impressed by his work. “After enjoying his other films and recognizing his talent for crafting compelling human dramas, I became convinced that there is no better director for Naruto,” Kishimoto remarked.
Kishimoto further noted, “Meeting Destin in person, I found him to be receptive to my ideas, and I firmly believed that we could collaborate effectively throughout the production process.”
Although the Naruto film has been in development for several years, like many projects in Hollywood, it faced setbacks. However, it has now resurfaced, although there’s no guarantee of its eventual realization.
Naruto narrates the tale of Uzumaki Naruto, a young boy ostracized by his village due to being the vessel for the fearsome nine-tailed demon fox that once wreaked havoc on the world.
The Naruto franchise has enjoyed immense success over the years. Since its serialization as a manga in 1999, it has consistently ranked among the top three alongside One Piece and Bleach. Additionally, it has spawned numerous animated movies, video games, and a plethora of merchandise.
As for the Naruto film, details regarding casting and release dates remain undisclosed, signaling that it’s still in its early stages of development.
