Lionsgate is now producing the live-action Naruto film with Sony Pictures, a partnership that comes more than a decade after the adaptation was first reported. The Hollywood Reporter covered the agreement on November 2, 2026. Rather than taking Lionsgate’s place, Sony will work with the studio to bring the manga and anime franchise to cinemas.
Explaining the decision to work with Sony and studio chief Tom Rothman, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson pointed to the company’s experience with manga and anime and its ability to distribute films internationally.
“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,” Fogelson said in a statement. “We share an enormous ambition for Naruto and a commitment to making this a truly global cinematic event that stays true to what millions of existing fans love and invites so many more to embrace what makes it truly special.”
Development stretches back to 2015. At that point, reports said Lionsgate was in negotiations to secure the franchise’s movie rights, with Michael Gracey named as the prospective director. The announcement was followed by little movement. Now, more than ten years on, the partnership is another development alongside a different filmmaker’s involvement and a possible casting decision.
The Hollywood Reporter says Destin Daniel Cretton is set to both write and direct Naruto. His previous work includes co-writing and directing Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Cretton will take on producing duties as well, joining Arad Productions’ Avi Arad, Ari Arad and Emmy Yu.
Cretton has the backing of Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto. Action filmmaking wasn’t the only reason for that endorsement: Kishimoto singled out the director’s dramas about people, along with his openness to suggestions during their meeting.
“When I heard of Destin’s attachment, it happened to be right after watching a blockbuster action film of his, and I thought he would be the perfect director for Naruto. After enjoying his other films and understanding that his forte is in creating solid dramas about people, I became convinced that there is no other director for Naturo. In actually meeting Destin, I also found him to be an open-minded director who was willing to embrace my input, and felt strongly that we would be able to cooperate together in the production process.”
As for who might appear in the film, Charles Melton has reached final talks, according to The Hollywood Reporter, for the part of Kakashi Hatake.
Nerdist calls Kakashi an incredibly popular character. The publication’s Dan Casey describes both his place in the story and his appeal: “For those who don’t know, Kakashi is Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke’s mentor. While he’s usually pretty laid-back and prefers to read his hornt up books, he is one of the deadliest ninjas in the Hidden Leaf Village. Also one of the best characters in the series.”
The reports cited here contain no official casting announcement. Melton therefore hasn’t been confirmed for the role.
