Live-action Naruto is go: Lionsgate greenlights Destin Daniel Cretton, Sony co-finances
By Fuzzy Mushroom · Published
Lionsgate has greenlit Destin Daniel Cretton's live-action Naruto after a multi-studio bidding war, with Sony co-financing and taking international distribution while Lionsgate keeps domestic. Cretton will write, direct and produce; cameras are aimed at spring 2027. Trades say Charles Melton is attached as Kakashi Hatake, with the search for Naruto still under way, and Cretton called it a story of heart under the action in a joint statement.
Can a live-action Naruto dodge the anime-adaptation curse, or is Kakashi about to get the whitewash treatment?
How solid is this story?
Spore Score for the story: 86 (Rock solid). Status: Confirmed. On the record: Destin Daniel Cretton statement and Lionsgate–Sony deal announcement.
Sources
- The Hollywood Reporter: Sony Partners With Lionsgate on Destin Daniel Cretton's 'Naruto' Movie (Exclusive) (3 November 2026)
- Deadline: Lionsgate Teaming With Sony To Make Destin Daniel Cretton's 'Naruto' (3 November 2026)
- TheWrap: Sony Partners With Lionsgate for Destin Daniel Cretton's Live-Action 'Naruto' Movie (3 November 2026)
- Collider: Live-Action Naruto Movie Officially Gets Major 2027 Release Update (3 November 2026)
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