Sony Joins Lionsgate on Destin Daniel Cretton’s Live-Action Naruto Movie

The live-action Naruto movie is moving forward with support from Sony. The adaptation, which has been in development at Lionsgate, will be written, directed and produced by Destin Daniel Cretton, whose films include Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Short Term 12.

Lionsgate announced in a press release that Sony Pictures will co-finance the film and distribute it internationally after a competitive bidding process. Lionsgate has greenlit the movie and scheduled production to begin in spring 2027. The studio will oversee development, production and domestic distribution.

The film brings Cretton and Sony together again after the success of this year’s Tom Holland movie Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Sony Pictures CEO Tom Rothman said of their reunion on Naruto, “we had a sweet success this summer with Destin and are delighted to be back in his capable hands.” Rothman also called the Lionsgate film an A-level adaptation.

Following the success of Brand New Day, Sony and Cretton reached a three-year deal for him to develop and produce films for the company through Hisako, the production company he runs with Jeyun Munford.

What we know about the live-action Naruto movie

The film will be based on the series by Masashi Kishimoto, which has become a global sensation across manga, anime and video games. Naruto follows its title character, a young orphan in a fantasy world inspired by Japan’s feudal era. He dreams of becoming Hokage, or village leader, and pursues that goal alongside an expanding supporting cast.

In July, Cretton announced a global casting search for the series’ main trio, Team 7: Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura. Lionsgate and Cretton have not confirmed any casting, though Charles Melton of Beef has reportedly been in talks to play Kakashi, Team 7’s mentor.

Source: Polygon