A live action Naruto movie is moving forward at Lionsgate, with Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings director Destin Daniel Cretton writing and directing the adaptation.
Cretton was first announced for the project in February 2024, but the movie has recently taken a major step toward production. Lionsgate and Cretton launched a worldwide casting search in July 2026 to find the actors who will play Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno. Casting for the remaining characters will follow.
The movie is based on Masashi Kishimoto's Naruto manga, which follows Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who dreams of becoming Hokage, the leader of the Hidden Leaf Village. Naruto grows up as an outsider because the Nine Tailed Fox was sealed inside him shortly after his birth.
Kishimoto has publicly supported Cretton taking control of the movie. The Naruto creator said he became interested in Cretton after seeing one of his action films and later meeting with him in Tokyo. Kishimoto said he felt Cretton understood the series and was willing to work closely with him on the adaptation.
Cretton has also made it clear that he wants to treat the characters and source material seriously. The director said it is an honor to bring Kishimoto's world to live action and described the search for the actors playing Team 7 as an important part of getting the film moving.
There may already be one familiar name joining the cast. Charles Melton, known for Beef and May December, entered final talks in August to play Kakashi Hatake, the experienced ninja who becomes the leader and teacher of Team 7. Lionsgate has not yet formally announced Melton as part of the cast.
Cretton's involvement also gives the project a director with experience handling large action productions. Along with Shang-Chi, he directed Spider-Man: Brand New Day before moving his attention toward Naruto.
Lionsgate has been trying to bring Naruto to live action for years. The project dates back to 2015, but development moved slowly and went through changes behind the scenes. Cretton taking over as writer and director, followed by the 2026 casting search, has finally pushed the movie closer to filming.
There is currently no confirmed release date for the live action Naruto movie. The search for Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura is still one of the biggest pieces that needs to fall into place before cameras can start rolling.
