The live-action adaptation of Masashi Kishimoto’s legendary Naruto franchise is moving forward at Lionsgate, with Beef and Riverdale star Charles Melton reportedly in final negotiations to portray the fan-favorite mentor, Kakashi Hatake. This casting update follows the recent announcement that the production has initiated a global search to fill the central roles of Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno.
Directing the project is Destin Daniel Cretton, known for his work on Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Cretton is also producing the film through his banner, Hisako, alongside Jeyun Munford, with Avi Arad, Ari Arad, Emmy Yu, and Jeremy Latcham also serving as producers. The screenplay for the project is currently being developed by Tasha Huo.
While the project has been in various stages of development since Lionsgate first acquired the rights in 2015, the involvement of Cretton and the recent push for casting signify a major shift toward active production. The original manga, which debuted in 1999 and concluded in 2014, remains a pillar of the industry, having spawned an expansive library of anime, films, and the ongoing Boruto sequel series.
