Considering the response that Netflix’s live-action adaptation series Avatar: The Last Airbender received from fans, netizens were concerned with the upcoming live-action Naruto movie. Unwilling to let the highly appreciated manga get tampered with during adaptation, die-hard fans have been holding their breath.
However, following recent updates from Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto, fans seemingly found a ray of hope. As Kishimoto broke his silence on the risky upcoming project and revealed finding Destin Daniel Cretton as the most suitable director for the project, netizens felt relieved. Trusting in Kishimoto’s vision, fans realized there was still some hope left.
Lionsgate Preparing the Naruto Live-Action Movie
Naruto has been one of the most popular means of entertainment for fans because Masashi Kishimoto combined ruthless refinement of shonen manga’s themes with the irresistible story of the class clown. The manga immediately turned into a global hit, which further received subsequent anime adaptations.
Even Lionsgate announced it was developing a live-action movie based on Naruto, after the manga’s 2014 conclusion. But despite their announcement, there has been little movement on the project so far. However, only recently, the studio boasted writer and director credits associated with the Naruto live-action.
According to reports from THR, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ director Destin Daniel Cretton was tapped to write and direct the upcoming live-action Naruto movie. The director has always met with the franchise creator Masashi Kishimoto, who will be collaborating on the upcoming project.
However, while Destin Daniel Cretton is known for his flawless work and fans are aware of his incredible projects, netizens were still a bit anxious about his adaptation. Holding the manga close to their hearts, fans didn’t want the live-action movie to end up like Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Masashi Kishimoto Broke His Silence on New Director
Although fans have been excited to watch the new Netflix adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender, they were left disappointed after the show confirmed toning down Sokka’s sexist attitude. Making changes to the essence of the character, the live-action adaptation of the 2005 animation, ruined it for fans. Therefore, netizens have been truly concerned about the upcoming Naruto live-action.
Despite Lionsgate hiring the acclaimed director Destin Daniel Cretton, fans have been anxious about how it might turn out to be. Considering that it is always difficult to please fans with an adaptation of the original, netizens wondered if Cretton would be able to helm the project or if it would turn into a disappointment. But soon, their stressful concerns were put to ease by the Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto.
“When I heard of Destin’s attachment, it happened to be right after watching a blockbuster action film of his, and I thought he would be the perfect director for Naruto. After enjoying his other films and understanding that his forte is in creating solid dramas about people, I became convinced that there is no other director for Naruto.” Kishimoto released a statement via THR.
“In actually meeting Destin, I also found him to be an open-minded director who was willing to embrace my input, and felt strongly that we would be able to cooperate together in the production process.”
Following Masashi Kishimoto’s statement where he entrusted his faith in director Destin Daniel Cretton, fans found a ray of hope. Considering that the franchise creator is happy with Cretton’s previous works and believes that he is the best-suited individual for the live-action project, netizens felt relieved.
