After 11 years, it appears that the live-action Naruto Movie is finally getting its legs. Initially announced in 2015, the adaptation just got greenlit by Lionsgate, with Sony Pictures being announced as its co-financing and international distribution partner. Meanwhile, Lionsgate will continue overseeing the film’s development and production while managing its domestic distribution, with filming slated for Spring 2027. 

The project will be directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, best known for helming Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and most recently, the blockbuster success Spider-Man: Brand New Day. He will also write and produce the adaptation alongside Jeyun Munford through their production company, Hisako.

Cretton previously expressed his excitement about bringing Masashi Kishimoto‘s beloved manga to life. The filmmaker also described himself as a longtime fan of Naruto, expressing his fondness for the series in a press release reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

“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.”

---

Follow us on Twitter Follow @GamerBraves and Tweet us Tweet to @GamerBraves

---

The original manga follows Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja ostracised by his village because he carries the Nine-Tailed Fox sealed inside him. Despite facing rejection, he dreams of becoming the Hokage, the village’s strongest ninja and leader.

First published in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1999, Kishimoto’s manga has sold more than 250 million copies across over 60 countries and territories. Its popularity also spawned a successful anime adaptation that reached audiences in more than 145 countries.

Despite the latest production update, the live-action Naruto movie still has no confirmed release date. Also, further details about its cast and storyline have yet to be announced. However, the news gave fans a glimmer of hope regarding the project, considering that it’s been in the making since 2015 and has gone through multiple directors and screenwriters.