It seems like the live-action Naruto movie is one step closer as casting begins. Spider-Man: Brand New Day director Destin Daniel Cretton is at the helm, and he recently shared a statement, updating fans.
“Kishimoto-sensei’s stories have inspired generations of fans around the world, and it’s an honor to bring his world and characters to the big screen in live action for the very first time,” he wrote on Instagram. “I’m thrilled to kick off this worldwide casting search for our Team 7 and to bring the incredible universe of Naruto to life!”
Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto is equally thrilled by the news, calling the updates a “miracle”. In a new press release (via Gizmodo), he wrote: “Right now, miracles are happening to me, one after another. My work, Naruto, is truly, truly becoming a Hollywood movie! And an even greater miracle is that the film will be directed by the one and only Destin Daniel Cretton. I still cannot believe it!”
The renowned manga artist went on to add: “If so many miracles have already come together, then let us hope for even more. I am eagerly looking forward to the miraculous encounters that will bring us extraordinary and passionate actors! I cannot wait to meet my characters in the film!”
As one of the best-selling mangas of all time, Naruto has been the subject of adaptation before. Most notably, it was made into a long-running and much-loved anime series in the early 2000s. However, this will be the first live-action adaptation.
The story follows Naruto Uzumaki, an orphan who dreams of becoming his village’s strongest ninja. His journey takes him from an ostracized and outcast young man into the saviour of the ninja world after joining the prestigious Team 7.
No release date has been confirmed yet for the Naruto movie. Check out our guides on how to watch Naruto in order and our Naruto and Naruto Shippuden filler list in the meantime.