Sony and Lionsgate Team up on Cretton’s Naruto Film

WHO:

Coming Soon - Destin Daniel Cretton, described as the director of *Spider-Man: Brand New Day*, will direct the *Naruto* live-action adaptation.

The Hollywood Reporter - Cretton is writing, directing and producing the film. He will produce with Jeyun Munford through his company, Hisako.

The Hollywood Reporter - Lionsgate and Sony Pictures are partnering on the film. Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson and Sony Motion Picture Group CEO and chairman Tom Rothman commented on the partnership.

The Hollywood Reporter - Avi Arad, Ari Arad and Emmy Yu are producing for Arad Productions.

The Hollywood Reporter - Charles Melton is in talks to play Kakashi Hatake, the ninja mentor to Naruto and his friends. The search for an actor to play Naruto is underway.

The Hollywood Reporter - Erin Westerman and James Myers are overseeing the project for Lionsgate; Helen Lee-Kim secured Sony as international partner.

WHAT:

Coming Soon - Lionsgate and Sony Pictures have partnered to co-finance the live-action *Naruto* movie, with Sony handling international distribution.

The Hollywood Reporter - Lionsgate officially greenlit the project after competitive, multi-studio bidding. Lionsgate will oversee development and production and handle domestic distribution.

The Hollywood Reporter - The film adapts Masashi Kishimoto’s manga, which has sold more than 250 million copies across over 60 countries and territories. Its anime adaptation has reached audiences in more than 145 countries and territories; the franchise is multibillion-dollar.

The Hollywood Reporter - The story follows young ninja Naruto Uzumaki, who wants to lead his village and carries the spirit of a nine-tailed demon fox. The manga was serialized in *Weekly Shonen Jump* and spawned animated series shown on Cartoon Network and Disney XD.

The Hollywood Reporter - Cretton said he is a longtime *Naruto* fan and praised its “heart, humor, and humanity.” Fogelson said the partners aim to make a global cinematic event faithful to the existing fans and welcoming to new audiences.

WHERE:

The Hollywood Reporter - The manga was serialized in Japan; Sony is headquartered in Japan. Lionsgate will handle domestic distribution, and Sony will handle international distribution.

WHEN:

The Hollywood Reporter - Production is slated to begin in spring 2027.

The Hollywood Reporter - Kishimoto’s manga ran from 1999 to 2014.

WHY:

The Hollywood Reporter - Rothman said Sony was honored to be chosen as partner; he cited the studio’s “sweet success” with Cretton and said it was delighted to work with him again.

The Hollywood Reporter - Lionsgate cited Sony’s manga and anime expertise and global distribution capabilities as reasons it was a suitable partner.

(UPDATED November 3, 2026 19:04 UTC)

Lionsgate has greenlit a live-action Naruto movie, partnering with Sony Pictures to co-finance it. Destin Daniel Cretton will write, direct and produce the adaptation of the bestselling manga. Charles Melton is in talks to play mentor Kakashi, with production planned for spring 2027.