After years of anticipation and silence, the live-action adaptation of the iconic anime and manga series “Naruto” is finally back in full gear, much to the delight of fans worldwide.
The journey toward a live-action “Naruto” adaptation has been a long and uncertain one, with teases and rumors spanning nearly a decade. Production initially began in July 2015 under Lionsgate, with acclaimed director Michael Gracey at the helm. However, details about the project remained scarce for several years, leaving fans eagerly awaiting any updates.
In early 2023, excitement was reignited when it was reported by Variety that Tasha Huo, a rising star among screenwriters, was brought on board as the film’s screenwriter. Huo’s previous work on projects like the upcoming “Red Sonja” and Netflix’s “Tomb Raider” animation adaptation garnered attention, signaling a new phase of development for the “Naruto” adaptation.
However, the project saw a significant shift in 2024 when it was announced that Destin Daniel Cretton, known for his work on “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” would take over both writing and directing duties for the live-action “Naruto.” This development brought renewed excitement and anticipation, especially considering Cretton’s impressive track record in the film industry.
When is the ‘Naruto’ live-action movie release date
Cretton’s involvement in the project is further bolstered by the support of several other talented individuals, including Jeyun Munford, Avi and Ari Arad, and Emmy Yu, known for their involvement in recent and upcoming releases like “Dungeons & Dragons” and the “Borderlands” adaptation. Additionally, Masashi Kishimoto, the original creator of “Naruto,” has expressed his confidence in Cretton, endorsing him as the perfect director for the beloved series.
While an official release date for the “Naruto” film has yet to be announced, the involvement of Cretton and other talented individuals has sparked optimism among fans. Many are hopeful for a release in 2025, especially if production kicks into full gear by mid-2024.
One of the biggest questions surrounding the live-action adaptation is which storyline from the expansive “Naruto” manga will be adapted for the big screen. With 700 chapters and 49 arcs to choose from, selecting the right story arc poses a significant challenge. Some fans are cautious due to the mixed track record of live-action anime adaptations, while others draw inspiration from recent successes like Netflix’s “One Piece” adaptation.
Notably, two animated movies in the “Naruto” franchise, “The Last: Naruto the Movie” and “Boruto: Naruto the Movie,” are set years after the events of the Fourth Great Ninja War. These films provide compelling storylines centered around Naruto and Boruto Uzumaki, offering potential inspiration for the live-action adaptation.
With reports of Kishimoto’s involvement and the potential to stay true to the source material, the live-action “Naruto” adaptation has the opportunity to become one of the best in its genre. However, with production still in its early stages, details such as casting, production timeline, budget, and filming locations remain undisclosed, keeping fans eagerly awaiting further updates on this highly anticipated project.