Naruto franchise announces new anime series and live-action film

The Naruto franchise is expanding with several upcoming projects, including a new limited-format anime series and a live-action film adaptation currently in development at Lionsgate. Destin Daniel Cretton is set to direct and write the live-action version, which has already begun a global casting search for the roles of Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura.

Insiders suggest the live-action film will introduce significant character changes. The relationship between Sasuke and Sakura is expected to be more subtle, with less emphasis on romance in the early stages. Sakura may receive more narrative relevance and a more defined backstory, while the concept of the jinchuriki will be simplified for clarity. Naruto is described as a student with specific interests in history but who struggles academically.

Major announcements are expected during the ‘NARUTO: What’s Next?’ panel at New York Comic Con 2026. Additionally, TV Tokyo is planning a large-scale return for the anime’s 25th anniversary in 2027, and the series will be featured at Jump Festa in December 2027.