Naruto movie from Spider-Man 4 director just made its biggest leap in two years

We all knew the Naruto live-action adaptation wasn’t quietly vanishing into the bin of failed anime remakes—not with Lionsgate still attached and the internet frothing at every rumour. Now, for the first time in ages, this thing has a pulse. Not only is there progress, but it’s gone from a vague studio talking point to a full-on global casting search for Team 7, and Lionsgate wants the world watching.

Who’s Behind the Camera?

If you recognise the name Destin Daniel Cretton, it’s because he’s had his hands on some properly big projects lately. He directed Shang-Chi, and his next is Spider-Man: Brand New Day (yes, that Spider-Man) out at the end of July. Somehow, in between web-slingers, he’s also helming Naruto’s move to live action, making him the busiest bloke in Hollywood superhero circles.

Now Casting: Team 7

Lionsgate and Cretton dropped the news this week—if you missed it in their press blast, they’re officially hunting for actors to play Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, the holy trinity of troubled ninja teens. The search isn’t limited to Hollywood’s usual suspects, either. It’s a global casting call, so if you’ve ever fancied hurling paper shuriken in front of a green screen, now’s your moment.

For everyone else—yes, they’ll get to the rest of the cast later, but right now the main trio is the focus. As far as the production’s concerned, pre-production is underway, but we’re still in that phase where it’s all hopeful press quotes and shadowy mood boards rather than leaked set photos.

Genuine Excitement, or Just Hollywood Fluff?

Here’s what Cretton himself had to say about the assignment:

'Kishimoto-sensei’s stories have inspired generations of fans around the world, and it’s an honor to bring his world and characters to the big screen in live action for the very first time. I’m thrilled to kick off this worldwide casting search for our Team 7 and to bring the incredible universe of Naruto to life!'

Is that a boilerplate quote? Absolutely, but at least it confirms he’s still engaged and they’re not handing it off to a jobbing TV director between Netflix pilots.

The Creator Chimes In

Masashi Kishimoto, the man who invented Naruto, seems honestly gobsmacked by the news that a Hollywood version is finally happening. He described it as 'miracles are happening to me, one after another', and openly raved about Cretton landing the director’s chair—saying he 'still cannot believe it'. If you were wondering whether Kishimoto is on board, there won’t be any angry Twitter threads or passive-aggressive manga chapters on this one.

He’s also hyped about the casting process, saying he’s 'eagerly looking forward to the miraculous encounters that will bring us extraordinary and passionate actors.' Make of that what you will; it’s broadly hopeful, but at least he hasn’t written off the concept as creative butchery.

Some Quick Facts

• Lionsgate is producing—the studio’s still trying to crack that elusive 'anime to Hollywood hit' code.
• Team 7 (Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura) are the first roles being cast, with others to follow.
• The project is in pre-production; don’t expect a release date or casting announcements just yet.
• The original Naruto manga wrapped in 2022, but the franchise is arguably more global now than it’s ever been.
• Cretton is also directing Spider-Man: Brand New Day, out 31 July, so his plate is very much full.

For those sceptical after the usual Hollywood mishandling of anime, there’s some comfort: everyone genuinely involved seems optimistic, and the casting net is about as wide as it gets.