Lionsgate and Sony Co-Finance Destin Daniel Cretton's Live-Action 'Naruto'

Key points

• Lionsgate has officially greenlit the live-action 'Naruto' film, with Sony Pictures co-financing and handling international distribution.
• Destin Daniel Cretton will write, direct, and produce the film, following his success with 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day.'
• Production is scheduled to begin in spring 2027, with Charles Melton cast as Kakashi Hatake.
• The deal was the result of a competitive, multi-studio bidding process, with Sony's expertise in anime and global distribution being a key factor.
• The 'Naruto' manga has sold over 250 million copies across 60 countries, making it a massive global franchise.

Background

This development follows Lionsgate's recent success with 'Michael,' which became their highest-grossing film with over $1 billion worldwide. The partnership with Sony also builds on their recent collaboration on 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day,' which grossed $2.5 billion globally. The 'Naruto' franchise has a long history of adaptations, including anime series and films, and has reached audiences in over 145 countries.

How outlets are covering it

Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter both emphasize the competitive nature of the bidding process and the strategic fit between Lionsgate and Sony, highlighting Sony's expertise in anime and global distribution. Yahoo's coverage is more concise, focusing on the partnership and the film's premise but lacking the detailed production and casting information provided by the other outlets. All sources agree on the key facts, such as the greenlight, Cretton's involvement, and the spring 2027 production start, but differ in the depth of detail regarding the deal's specifics and the franchise's global reach.

Why it matters

The 'Naruto' live-action film represents a significant move into the anime adaptation space for major Hollywood studios, leveraging a globally recognized franchise with a massive fanbase. The partnership between Lionsgate and Sony, combined with Cretton's recent success, positions the film as a potential blockbuster, aiming to capture both existing fans and new audiences. The film's success could set a precedent for future live-action adaptations of popular manga and anime properties.

What to watch

The search for the actor to play Naruto Uzumaki is currently underway, with production set to begin in spring 2027. The film's release date has not been announced, but it is expected to be a major global event, given the franchise's popularity and the studios' ambitions.