Naruto Live-Action Movie Gets Encouraging Update From Original Writer Only4Media.com

The status of the upcoming live-action adaptation of Naruto gets a promising update from its screenwriter. News of a live-action film was announced earlier this year, with Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings‘ Destin Daniel Cretton slated to direct. Lionsgate will distribute the adaptation of Masashi Kishimoto’s highly acclaimed manga series, which was also turned into several anime series in the early 2000s.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, screenwriter Tasha Huo confirmed that her script is done and that Cretton is busy doing his own spin on the story before the movie begins filming. She also praised Cretton’s directorial imprint, which will capture how nuanced and special of a character Naruto is without being too distracted by how massive of a world the protagonist inhabits. Check out her full comments on the matter below:

I think that’s such a cool choice because he’s going to be able to capture how nuanced and special Naruto is without getting distracted by the big world that it is, which I think could easily be done by someone who’s not a fan or someone who’s coming in for a cash payday. This is definitely a movie that comes at it from a love of who Naruto is and that character and his relationships.

Why Destin Daniel Cretton is Perfect for Naruto?

Cretton Has A Great Track Record.

While expectations of a Naruto live-action adaptation will be high, Cretton’s involvement in the project feels like a step in the right direction to get the character right. There have been many American live-action adaptations of popular mangas, and most have been disappointing. This record tracks back to how badly audiences and critics poorly regard Dragonball Evolution or the 2017 adaptation of Death Note, which have effectively put a bad reputation on any live-action transpositions of mangas in Hollywood.

However, Cretton’s expertise with large-scale blockbusters, such as the MCU with Shang-Chi and the upcoming Disney+ series Wonder Man, and reverence for the source material make him the perfect fit to adapt the series. He was also tapped to direct Avengers: The Kang Dynasty before leaving the project in November 2023, to which it was ultimately retooled to Avengers: Doomsday. However, his past involvement in such a massive production bodes well for what he can bring to Naruto.

Related

8 Things Naruto’s Live-Action Movie Shouldn’t Adapt From The Anime & Manga

The Naruto movie should remain as faithful as possible to the source material, but some aspects of Kishimoto’s iconic manga might have to be changed.

Cretton can also direct effective, large-scale action, balancing it out with strong character-driven moments, which are found in a manga like Naruto. Kishimoto never shied away from getting violent and often intense but always kept the protagonists as relatable and fun to read as possible. If there’s one filmmaker who can bring this balance to life on screen, Cretton is the best match. No further details on Naruto have been revealed, but as filming is gearing up, more announcements could be made relatively soon.

Source: Entertainment Weekly

Naruto (2002)

Naruto is an action-adventure anime series based on the manga series created by Masashi Kishimoto. The titular Naruto Uzumaki is a fearsome Nine-Tailed Fox Spirit sealed inside him, which once wreaked havoc on his village. Shunned by his community yet determined to earn their respect, Naruto dreams of becoming the greatest ninja, the Hokage. This series follows his journey through the Ninja Academy as he continues to train and grow, hoping to prove himself to his peers- and himself.

Cast

Junko Takeuchi , Noriaki Sugiyama , Chie Nakamura , Kazuhiko Inoue , Hidekatsu Shibata

Release Date

October 3, 2002

Seasons

5

Writers

Masashi Kishimoto

Directors

Hayato Date

Showrunner

Masashi Kishimoto

Creator(s)

Masashi Kishimoto

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