Charles Melton Eyed to Play Kakashi in Live-Action Naruto Film

Lionsgate’s live-action film adaptation of Naruto is making progress in casting its core roster.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Charles Melton is in final talks to join the project. The actor is up for the role of Kakashi Hatake, the leader and mentor of Team 7, which consists of Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno.

Known for his roles in Riverdale and Beef, Melton is of Korean descent and has a background in martial arts. He holds a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo and won a gold medal at an International Taekwon-Do Federation tournament while living in South Korea.

The actor is also an anime fan. Melton has previously shared that he often watches series late into the night until 4 a.m., citing Dragon Ball Z, Demon Slayer, and Jujutsu Kaisen among his favorites.

Destin Daniel Cretton, director of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and the upcoming Spider-Man film, will direct and write the adaptation. Original Naruto manga creator Masashi Kishimoto previously endorsed Cretton’s appointment, stating that he places his full trust in the filmmaker.

Filming start dates and a theatrical release window for Naruto have not yet been announced.

Source: iXBT.games