Masashi Kishimoto is launching a new manga titled Shadow Rising, accompanied by a crossover anime series titled Naruto x Ninku, as reported by fr.ign.com from the New York Comic Con 2026 Naruto panel. These twin projects expand the franchise further following announcements made on October 10, 2026.
The announcements arrived alongside updates regarding the upcoming live-action film adaptation. Director Destin Daniel Cretton shared details about the production during the same panel appearance.
Shadow Rising Manga and Naruto x Ninku Crossover Production Details
Details regarding the Shadow Rising manga remain scarce, with only Masashi Kishimoto’s participation and the title confirmed thus far. A teaser video indicated that additional information will emerge during the Naruto Super Stage at Jump Festa 2027.
In contrast, the panel provided substantial information on Naruto x Ninku, a crossover project uniting Naruto with the 1990s franchise Ninku. The series is fully supervised by Kishimoto and Ninku author Koji Kiriyama, according to official NARUTO OFFICIAL announcements.
Noriyuki Abe serves as director for the crossover series, while Tetsuya Nishio acts as character designer and chief animation director. An official synopsis describes the plot:
Members of the Order of 7—Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura—are assigned a mission by Kakashi. Since Kakashi cannot participate himself, Naruto is appointed acting leader. Following this decision, Naruto is more determined than ever to see the mission through. However, on the way, Team Order of 7 finds itself lost in another world. Appearing before the perplexed trio is a frog-faced boy named Fūsuke. What awaits them in this strange new world?
Destin Daniel Cretton Directs the Live-Action Film Adaptation
Alongside the manga and anime updates, Variety reported that the panel featured a surprise message from filmmaker Destin Daniel Cretton regarding the live-action Naruto movie. Cretton expressed his enthusiasm for adapting Kishimoto’s universe.
What I’ve always loved about Naruto is that he’s the kind of character who, in normal times, would be relegated to the background as a sidekick,
Cretton stated in his message. He’s impulsive, he overdoes it, and people underestimate him. But he has an incredible heart.
Cretton emphasized that the production team approaches the source material with care, aiming to capture the core elements of the characters and their relationships. Release dates for the live-action film, Shadow Rising, and Naruto x Ninku have not yet been announced.
Frequently Asked Questions About the New Naruto Projects
When were Shadow Rising and Naruto x Ninku announced?
Both projects were announced on October 10, 2026, during the Naruto panel at the New York Comic Con.
Who is supervising the Naruto x Ninku anime series?
The crossover series is fully supervised by Masashi Kishimoto and Koji Kiriyama, the creator of Ninku.
Who is directing the live-action Naruto film?
Destin Daniel Cretton is directing the live-action movie adaptation.
Related reading