Sony Pictures Boards Naruto Movie Adaptation with Lionsgate
Sony Pictures has partnered with Lionsgate to co-finance and handle international distribution for the upcoming live-action feature film adaptation of Naruto, thehollywoodreporter.com reported. The deal follows a competitive, multi-studio bidding process for the property.
Lionsgate officially greenlit the project with Destin Daniel Cretton attached to write, direct, and produce. Cretton is coming off the $2.5 billion global success of Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Production on the live-action ninja feature is slated to begin in spring 2027. Lionsgate will oversee the film’s development and production while retaining domestic distribution rights.
Sony partners with Lionsgate for international distribution
Sony Pictures emerged as the international partner following a September agreement in which Cretton signed a three-year first-look producing deal with the studio. Sony is headquartered in Japan and operates Crunchyroll, which stands as a prominent streaming service focused on anime. Tom Rothman heads Sony’s Motion Picture Group.
“With their deep expertise in manga and anime and global distribution prowess, Sony Pictures is a perfect partner for Naruto, and we’re thrilled to join forces with Tom Rothman and his team to bring this extraordinary property to audiences around the world,” Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson said in a statement reported by thehollywoodreporter.com.
Excl: Sony comes on board Lionsgate NARUTO live-action movie (being directed by Destin Daniel Cretton) to co-finance and to distribute internationally. Plus: the movie is greenlit for a spring 2027 production start. https://t.co/WhenwmMiIH
Rothman noted the existing relationship with the filmmaker. “Lionsgate has done a masterful job in putting together an A-level adaptation, and we are honored to be chosen as their partner. Not to mention, we had a sweet success this summer with Destin and are delighted to be back in his capable hands,” Rothman said.
Masashi Kishimoto created the global manga franchise
Masashi Kishimoto created the original Naruto manga, which follows a young and enthusiastic ninja named Naruto Uzumaki who holds the spirit of a nine-tailed demon fox while striving to lead his village. Shueisha serialized the coming-of-age story in Weekly Shonen Jump from 1999 to 2014, generating animated television series that ran on Cartoon Network and Disney XD.
Sony Pictures joins the Production of 'NARUTO' Live-action Movie by Lionsgate: “With their deep expertise in manga and anime and global distribution prowess, Sony Pictures is a perfect partner for Naruto.” Filming begins Spring 2027. pic.twitter.com/AwoDJ2zlgz
The franchise holds substantial global reach, with Kishimoto’s manga selling more than 250 million copies across over 60 countries and territories. The anime adaptation reached audiences in more than 145 countries and territories.
“As a longtime fan of Naruto, I’ve always loved that beneath the extraordinary action is a story filled with heart, humor, and humanity,” Cretton said in a statement reported by thehollywoodreporter.com. “Kishimoto-sensei created a world where unlikely heroes do extraordinary things, and that’s what makes it so special.”
Lionsgate has partnered with Sony Pictures for its live-action Naruto movie. Sony will co-finance and handle international distribution after competitive bidding. Destin Daniel Cretton is writing, directing, and producing. Production begins spring 2027. Lionsgate keeps domestic… pic.twitter.com/e68sOCmSb4
Charles Melton enters talks to play Kakashi Hatake
Avi Arad, Ari Arad, and Emmy Yu are producing the project for Arad Productions. Cretton is producing alongside Jeyun Munford through his company, Hisako. Erin Westerman and James Myers are overseeing the development for Lionsgate.
Charles Melton is currently in talks to play Kakashi Hatake, the elite ninja mentor to the main characters. Casting directors have not yet announced an actor to portray the title role of Naruto Uzumaki, and the search for the lead remains underway.
'Naruto' is moving forward as a live-action movie, with Sony Pictures joining Lionsgate to bring Masashi Kishimoto's iconic manga to the big screen. Sony will co-finance the film and handle international distribution, while Lionsgate oversees production and the North American… pic.twitter.com/qfEYZ7ztYY
Frequently Asked Questions About the Naruto Movie
When does production begin for the live-action Naruto movie?
Production is scheduled to begin in spring 2027 under the direction of Destin Daniel Cretton.
Who is writing the screenplay for the adaptation?
Destin Daniel Cretton is writing the script in addition to directing and producing the film for Lionsgate and Sony Pictures.
Which actors are attached to the project so far?
Charles Melton is in talks to play the elite ninja mentor Kakashi Hatake, while casting searches for the title role of Naruto Uzumaki continue.
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