Melton Steps in as Kakashi for Destin Daniel Cretton's Naruto

Charles Melton is in final negotiations to play Kakashi in Destin Daniel Cretton’s Naruto live-action, with filming set for next February. Kakashi is Team 7’s mentor and a central figure in what’s being framed as the film’s origin story and potential franchise starter; casting for Naruto and Sasuke is ongoing. Melton, known for Beef and Riverdale, is an anime fan and taekwondo practitioner, and Cretton is following the success of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which has grossed over $2 billion globally, with Naruto as his next project.