Sony and Lionsgate Partner for Live-Action Naruto Movie from Shang-Chi Director
Sony Pictures is officially boarding the live-action Naruto movie in a major partnership with Lionsgate. The Hollywood Reporter broke the exclusive news, revealing that Sony will provide financial backing and handle international distribution for the film.
Destin Daniel Cretton, director of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and the recent Spider-Man: Brand New Day, will write, direct, and produce the adaptation. According to THR, production has been officially greenlit and is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2027.
The deal came after a competitive bidding process involving multiple studios, per reports from both THR and TheWrap. Lionsgate will retain control over development and production, as well as handling the film's domestic release.
Casting is underway for the title role of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who hosts a powerful nine-tailed fox spirit. Charles Melton is the only actor currently attached, set to play the mentor Kakashi Hatake, according to both THR and Collider.
In statements published by TheWrap, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson called Sony a "perfect partner" for the property. Sony's Tom Rothman stated the studio is "honored to be chosen" and is "delighted" to work with Cretton again.
Cretton himself, a self-described longtime fan, said in a statement that he aims to capture "everything fans love about Naruto while introducing it to a whole new generation."
