The much-anticipated live-action adaptation of Naruto, one of the most iconic mangas and animes of all time, is making its way to theaters in 2026. Destin Daniel Cretton, the director of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, has been entrusted by Lionsgate to bring the beloved ninja world to life as both writer and director.
The involvement of Naruto‘s creator, Masashi Kishimoto, in overseeing the film adds a layer of authenticity and faithfulness to the adaptation that fans have been longing for, not unlike the hand Eiichiro Oda had in the widely successful live-action adaptation of his magnum opus One Piece on Netflix.
Kishimoto’s insights and creative input are invaluable, ensuring that the essence of his life’s work is preserved while introducing it to a broader audience through the medium of live-action cinema.
Naruto has captivated fans worldwide since its debut in 1999, chronicling the journey of Naruto Uzumaki, a young orphan ninja with dreams of becoming his village’s leader as he deals with the malevolent spirit of a powerful demon fox sealed within him.
Naruto is celebrated for its intricate storytelling, memorable characters, and strategical epic battles, laying the foundation for a rich narrative that the live-action film will draw upon.
Helping out Kishimoto and Cretton is a blend of industry veterans and fresh talent, with Avi Arad, Ari Arad, Emmy Yu, Jeremy Latcham, and Jeyun Munford joining Cretton in producing roles.
While Lionsgate has been exploring a live-action Naruto movie since as early as 2015, a name such as Cretton marks a significant step forward in the project’s development. His previous collaborations with Lionsgate and his ability to navigate the complexities of adapting beloved properties, make him an ideal choice for bringing Naruto‘s expansive world to theaters.
As expected, the announcement of the live-action adaptation has sparked discussions about the challenges and opportunities of translating Naruto‘s animated adventures into a live-action format. Successful big-budget adaptations of manga and anime are rare, with past results varying from Cowboy Bebop and Death Note to One Piece. But, with Cretton at the helm and Kishimoto’s involvement, the hope is that Naruto will help set a new standard for how these beloved stories can be brought to life on the big screen.
It’s unclear how Cretton’s involvement in the live-action adaptation of Naruto will affect his role in Shang-Chi 2.
