Following the huge success of One Piece‘s live-action adaptation by Netflix, it is understandable that fans have the expectation that the upcoming Naruto live-action would also be treated in the same way. However, the idea of adapting a seven-hundred-chapter series into a single movie has been met with some backlash from hardcore Naruto fans.
There is the history that implies the not-so-well track record of live-action adaptations, which is why fans are worried about the upcoming Naruto live-action. But a live-action could also be a successful one if done perfectly by the makers. And as per reports, the live-action Naruto movie, which is in the works at Lionsgate will be written and directed by Shang-Chi‘s Destin Daniel Cretton.
MCU Alum Will Be Writing & Directing the Live-Action Naturo Movie
And now it’s a Naruto live adaptation. After big animes like Avatar: The Last Airbender and One Piece, a live-action movie adapting the manga Naruto is in development. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ Destin Daniel Cretton hired to write and direct, the studio announced today. (Reported by The Hollywood Reporter)
Cretton also serves as producer with Jeyun Munford through his company Hisako, alongside Jeremy Latcham and Arad Productions’ Avi Arad, Ari Arad, and Emmy Yu. After being discussed for the last nine years, the adaptation is finally taking shape.
“It was a true honor to meet Kishimoto-san in Tokyo and hear his expansive vision for his creation,” Cretton said in the announcement. “We are very excited to collaborate and bring NARUTO to the big screen.”
Naruto, the Manga series ran from 1999 to 2014 and it became one widely recognized intellectual property that many wanted to adapt into live-action throughout the years.
Masashi Kishimoto, the writer and illustrator of the series also believes that if anybody could make it into a live-action movie, it’s only Destin Daniel Cretton.
“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,” said Kishimoto in a statement. (Via The Hollywood Reporter)
“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 Naturo. 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.”
Cretton’s involvement means that Tasha Huo, who earlier was supposed to write the Naruto film, will no longer do so.
Naruto Fans Are Still Concerned
Even after Shang-Chi‘s director joined on board, Naruto fans can’t come out of concerns. They still remain nervous regarding the prospect of live-action adaptations. There are no reports on the cast and crew as of now.
Let's just let go of the live actions and make an original.
— Stanley tamz (@StanleyTamz) February 23, 2024
They should do a 15 episode limited series
— Jordan Rains was here. (@50shadesofdrunk) February 24, 2024
the question is who is the actor will fit Naruto
— Bon (@orewadekudes) February 23, 2024
no thank you please don’t ruin one of the greatest animated sagas of all time
— Cafinikas (@ajcafiero) February 23, 2024
Please dont make a naruto movie
— Steve Mathews (@SteveMa39967527) February 23, 2024
This is gonna fail please don’t😭😭
— Lord Murphy (@cfcMurphh) February 23, 2024
No doubt, Naruto is one of the greatest manga ever written which has captivated many globally. Naruto has sold over 250 million copies in more than 60 countries and territories. It will be interesting to see how this cherished saga performs as a live-action adaptation.
The movie has no release window yet.
