Naruto live-action movie enters pre‑production with global casting launch

Lionsgate announced that the live‑action adaptation of the popular manga Naruto has officially entered pre‑production. Director and writer Destin Daniel Cretton, known for Marvel projects such as Shang‑Chi and Spider‑Man: Brand New Day, is leading the effort. Original creator Masashi Kishimoto has publicly endorsed the project and is consulting on the script.

A worldwide casting call has been opened to find actors for the core Team 7 trio – Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno – with a focus on performers of Asian heritage who can match the characters’ physical and emotional traits. Supporting roles, including Kakashi Hatake, will be cast after the main leads are secured. The initiative mirrors the successful casting approach used for Netflix’s One Piece live‑action series.

The pre‑production milestone marks the most concrete step yet for the film, which aims to bring the beloved ninja saga to global cinema audiences for the first time in live‑action form.