Charles Melton in Final Talks to Play Kakashi in Destin Cretton’s Live-Action 'Naruto'

Key points

• Charles Melton is in final negotiations to play Kakashi Hatake, the mentor figure in 'Naruto,' according to The Hollywood Reporter and Variety.
• The film is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, who recently achieved a global box office milestone of $2 billion with 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day.'
• Production is scheduled to start in February 2027, with casting for the title role of Naruto and other main characters still underway.
• Melton, known for 'Beef' and 'Riverdale,' is an avid anime fan and a second-degree black belt in taekwondo, which aligns with the physical demands of the role.
• The project is produced by Avi Arad, Ari Arad, and Emmy Yu for Arad Productions, with Lionsgate handling distribution.

Background

The live-action 'Naruto' project has been in development for years, with a previous attempt in 2014 involving director Michael Gracey. The current iteration is being helmed by Destin Daniel Cretton, who transitioned from indie films like 'Short Term 12' to major studio hits like 'Shang-Chi' and 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day.' The manga, serialized from 1999 to 2014, remains a cultural phenomenon, making the casting of a recognizable actor like Melton a significant move for the franchise's live-action debut.

How outlets are covering it

The Hollywood Reporter and Variety both confirm that Melton is in 'final negotiations' or 'close talks' for the role, indicating the deal is not yet officially signed. Gizmodo emphasizes the strategic importance of casting Melton first, suggesting his presence will help in selecting the young cast for Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura. All three outlets note the timing of the announcement, which follows speculation about Melton joining the 'X-Men' cast at the D23 convention. While THR and Variety focus on the business and production details, Gizmodo highlights the cultural significance of the role and Melton’s personal connection to anime and martial arts.

Why it matters

The casting of Charles Melton as Kakashi is a pivotal moment for the live-action 'Naruto' film, signaling a shift from development to active production. It validates the project’s ambition and sets the tone for the rest of the cast. With Cretton’s recent commercial success, the film is positioned as a major studio event, and Melton’s involvement adds star power and credibility to an adaptation of one of the most popular manga series in history.

What to watch

The next steps include finalizing Melton’s contract and continuing the global search for the actor to play Naruto. Production is expected to begin in February 2027, with further casting announcements likely to follow as the team for Team 7 is assembled. The film’s release date has not yet been announced, but it is expected to be a major theatrical event in the late 2020s.