Lionsgate Taps Shang-Chi Director Destin Daniel Cretton to Helm Live-Action Naruto Film
Los Angeles – Lionsgate has closed a deal with acclaimed director Destin Daniel Cretton (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) to write and direct its highly anticipated live-action adaptation of the beloved manga series Naruto, the studio announced today.
The film will be based on the popular manga created by Masashi Kishimoto, which has sold over 250 million copies worldwide since its debut in 1999. One of the world’s most popular intellectual properties, Naruto follows a young ninja who dreams of becoming the leader of his village.
“It was a true honor to meet Kishimoto-san in Tokyo and hear his expansive vision for his creation,” stated Cretton. “We are very excited to collaborate and bring Naruto to the big screen.”
Kishimoto shared his enthusiasm for having Cretton at the helm:
“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 Naruto.”
Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chairman Adam Fogelson said,
“This manga classic is beloved by millions of fans worldwide and Destin has delivered a vision for the movie that we believe will excite that massive fan base as well as those who are new to it.”
Avi Arad, Ari Arad, and Emmy Yu are producing for Arad Productions, with Cretton also producing alongside Jeyun Munford through his company, Hisako.
Cretton previously collaborated with Lionsgate on the 2017 film The Glass Castle. The studio’s James Myers, who oversaw that project, will oversee Naruto alongside Jon Humphrey.
This high-profile adaptation marks another major anime project for Lionsgate as the studio continues to expand its presence in the genre after its success with properties like Nexflix’s Death Note.
With Cretton’s proven track record in action and heartfelt dramas, hopes are high for a Naruto film that will resonate with long-time fans and mainstream audiences.
