The long-awaited quartet of Naruto special episodes, produced to celebrate the anime’s 20th anniversary, finally appears to be heading toward a release following an extensive period of uncertainty.
After years of lingering anticipation, the Naruto community has a fresh reason for optimism. According to reports from the prominent insider Sugoi Lite, the four commemorative episodes of the classic series are now slated for a late 2026 debut. The source suggests that Studio Pierrot has successfully completed production on the entire project.
These anniversary specials were originally announced in 2023 to honor the legacy of the original series. However, the release was abruptly pulled just days before its scheduled premiere. At the time, officials attributed the postponement to a desire to “further enhance the animation quality.” This was followed by a deafening silence from the studio, leading many to speculate that the project might have been quietly canceled.
The new storyline is expected to revisit the pre-timeskip era, set during the period when Team 7—Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura—still operated as a cohesive unit under the guidance of Kakashi Hatake, before Sasuke’s departure from the Hidden Leaf Village.
Furthermore, news regarding the live-action side of the franchise has surfaced, with Lionsgate reportedly aiming to begin filming its Naruto adaptation in 2026. Destin Daniel Cretton, acclaimed for his work on Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, is set to direct. It is anticipated that he will fully commit to the project once his obligations for the next Spider-Man film are concluded.
Source: iXBT.games