Image: Shueisha / Naruto Production Committee
AMBot | 07/13/2026 | Reading Time: 3 Min.
The highly anticipated Hollywood live-action adaptation of the classic manga "Naruto" has taken a decisive step forward. Studio Lionsgate and director Destin Daniel Cretton have launched a global casting search for the three main roles of Team 7. Actors are being sought for Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno. Casting for additional characters is expected to follow at a later date.
Cretton, who previously delivered a blockbuster with "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" and is currently working on "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," stated in a release: "Kishimoto-sensei's stories have inspired generations of fans around the world, and it is an honor to bring his world and characters to the big screen for the first time as live-action. I am very excited to launch this global casting search for our Team 7."
Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of "Naruto," also expressed his enthusiasm: "Miracles keep happening to me. My work 'Naruto' is actually becoming a Hollywood film! And an even greater miracle is that the film is being directed by the one and only Destin Daniel Cretton. I still can't believe it. I look forward to meeting extraordinary and passionate actors who will bring my characters to life."
Lionsgate first announced the live-action adaptation in February 2024. Masashi Kishimoto's manga was serialized in "Weekly Shōnen Jump" from 1999 to 2014 and has sold over 250 million copies worldwide in more than 60 countries. The story of the young ninja Naruto Uzumaki, who dreams of becoming the leader of his village—the Hokage—had previously spawned two successful anime series with a total of 720 episodes.
As early as 2014, Lionsgate made an attempt at an adaptation, then with Michael Gracey as director. However, the project stalled. Now, production under Cretton's leadership is entering the intensive pre-production phase. Producers include Avi Arad, Ari Arad, and Emmy Yu (Arad Productions), as well as Jeremy Latcham; Cretton himself is producing through his company Hisako alongside Jeyun Munford.
A specific theatrical release date has not yet been set. However, given the global casting call and intensive preparations, it is expected that Lionsgate will announce further details in the coming months.
Cretton, who previously delivered a blockbuster with "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" and is currently working on "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," stated in a release: "Kishimoto-sensei's stories have inspired generations of fans around the world, and it is an honor to bring his world and characters to the big screen for the first time as live-action. I am very excited to launch this global casting search for our Team 7."
Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of "Naruto," also expressed his enthusiasm: "Miracles keep happening to me. My work 'Naruto' is actually becoming a Hollywood film! And an even greater miracle is that the film is being directed by the one and only Destin Daniel Cretton. I still can't believe it. I look forward to meeting extraordinary and passionate actors who will bring my characters to life."
Lionsgate first announced the live-action adaptation in February 2024. Masashi Kishimoto's manga was serialized in "Weekly Shōnen Jump" from 1999 to 2014 and has sold over 250 million copies worldwide in more than 60 countries. The story of the young ninja Naruto Uzumaki, who dreams of becoming the leader of his village—the Hokage—had previously spawned two successful anime series with a total of 720 episodes.
As early as 2014, Lionsgate made an attempt at an adaptation, then with Michael Gracey as director. However, the project stalled. Now, production under Cretton's leadership is entering the intensive pre-production phase. Producers include Avi Arad, Ari Arad, and Emmy Yu (Arad Productions), as well as Jeremy Latcham; Cretton himself is producing through his company Hisako alongside Jeyun Munford.
A specific theatrical release date has not yet been set. However, given the global casting call and intensive preparations, it is expected that Lionsgate will announce further details in the coming months.
This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical support and editorially reviewed before publication.
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