The Hollywood Reporter (via Toonado.com) has learned that Lionsgate is partnering with Sony Pictures for filmmaker Destin Daniel Cretton's upcoming live-action adaptation of Naruto.
Sony will co-finance the movie and handle international distribution; Lionsgate, meanwhile, has officially greenlit the movie, which is Cretton's follow-up to the record-breaking Spider-Man: Brand New Day. That grossed $2.5 billion this summer, making the director one of the most highly sought-after filmmakers in Hollywood. There's still no word on his potential Spider-Man 5 plans.
Naruto is now confirmed to begin shooting in Spring 2027, with Lionsgate overseeing the movie's development and handling domestic distribution.
Naruto Uzumaki is the central character of Masashi Kishimoto's beloved Naruto franchise, beginning as a mischievous young ninja determined to earn the respect of his village. As the jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails, Naruto grows up ostracised by many in Konohagakure, but refuses to let that define him.
Through years of training, battles, and personal loss, he develops into one of the world’s most powerful shinobi. His unwavering determination, compassion, and belief in never abandoning his friends make him a natural leader. Naruto’s journey ultimately sees him achieve his lifelong dream of becoming Hokage while helping usher in a more peaceful era for the ninja world.
"With their deep expertise in manga and anime and global distribution prowess, Sony Pictures is a perfect partner for Naruto, and we’re thrilled to join forces with Tom Rothman and his team to bring this extraordinary property to audiences around the world," Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson said today.
"We share an enormous ambition for Naruto and a commitment to making this a truly global cinematic event that stays true to what millions of existing fans love and invites so many more to embrace what makes it truly special."
He continued, "I’m tremendously proud of Erin Westerman and James Myers for their work developing this film and bringing Destin aboard, and of Helen Lee-Kim for securing Sony as our international partner. Ari Arad, Tetsu Fujimura, and our producing team also deserve huge thanks for their hard work and support."
Tom Rothman, Sony’s Motion Picture Group CEO and Chairman, added, "Lionsgate has done a masterful job in putting together an A-level adaptation, and we are honored to be chosen as their partner. Not to mention, we had a sweet success this summer with Destin and are delighted to be back in his capable hands."
Kishimoto's manga was serialised in Japan's Weekly Shonen Jump from 1999 to 2014 before spawning two hugely popular animated series that ran for years on Cartoon Network and Disney XD.
With more than 250 million manga copies sold across 60-plus countries and territories, it's become a multibillion-dollar franchise and one of the world's most successful entertainment properties. Its anime adaptation has also reached audiences in more than 145 countries and territories.
"As a longtime fan of Naruto, I’ve always loved that beneath the extraordinary action is a story filled with heart, humor, and humanity. Kishimoto-sensei created a world where unlikely heroes do extraordinary things, and that’s what makes it so special," Cretton said. "Lionsgate has been an incredible partner, and I’m thrilled to reunite with the fantastic team at Sony."
"Together, we’re committed to capturing everything fans love about Naruto while introducing it to a whole new generation."
Naruto's release date has not been announced, and Charles Melton is the only actor currently attached to star (he'll play Kakashi Hatake). The hunt is currently on to find a young actor who will play the titular hero.