Live-action ‘Naruto’ movie launches global casting search

The live-action “Naruto” movie is launching a worldwide casting search to find its three leading actors. The adaptation of Masashi Kishimoto’s classic manga is backed by Lionsgate. The casting search will fill the roles of Team 7: Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura. Additional casting for supporting roles will follow. Destin Daniel Cretton, the filmmaker behind Marvel’s “Shang-Chi” and the upcoming “Spider-Man: Brand New Day, is writing and directing the project.

“Kishimoto-sensei’s stories have inspired generations of fans around the world, and it’s an honor to bring his world and characters to the big screen in live action for the very first time,” Cretton said in a statement. “I’m thrilled to kick off this worldwide casting search for our Team 7 and to bring the incredible universe of ‘Naruto’ to life!”

Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto added: “Right now, miracles are happening to me, one after another. My work, ‘Naruto’ is truly, truly becoming a Hollywood movie! And an even greater miracle is that the film will be directed by the one and only Destin Daniel Cretton. I still cannot believe it! If so many miracles have already come together, then let us hope for even more. I am eagerly looking forward to the miraculous encounters that will bring us extraordinary and passionate actors! I cannot wait to meet my characters in the film!”

Lionsgate announced the live-action “Naruto” movie in February 2024. The manga has printed over 250 million copies in more than 60 countries and territories. It follows adolescent ninja Naruto Uzumaki, who dreams of becoming his community’s protector and leader known as the village ninja.

Avi Arad, Ari Arad and Emmy Yu will produce for Arad Productions with Jeremy Latcham. Cretton is producing alongside Jeyun Munford through his company, Hisako. Cretton previously collaborated with Lionsgate on “The Glass Castle.” The studio previously tried to get a “Naruto” movie off the ground in 2014 wheni it signed Michael Gracey to direct.

-Variety