Is Naruto Getting A Live-Action Adaptation? Explained

With the buzz around Netflix’s One Piece live-action adaptation reaching fever pitch, anime fans are naturally curious about the fate of other iconic series.

The Naruto franchise, a behemoth in the anime and manga world, has been at the center of such speculation.

Social media is rife with rumors that a live-action Naruto movie is in the works, with Tasha Huo, the writer behind “The Witcher: Blood Origin,” reportedly completing a new script draft.

But how much of this chatter is rooted in reality? Let’s dive in.

Naruto Live Action Movie Is In Development

Contrary to what some may believe, the Naruto live-action movie isn’t just a product of online gossip. The project has been in development for years, and there’s more to the story than meets the eye.

The idea of a live-action Naruto adaptation isn’t new. Lionsgate secured the rights to the franchise as early as 2015, with Michael Gracey, the director of “The Greatest Showman,” initially tapped to helm the project.

By 2017, the script was passed on to Jon and Erich Hoeber for a rewrite. Things seemed to be progressing, but not without challenges.

In a 2018 interview with Collider, director Michael Gracey opened up about the delicate process of bringing Naruto to life on the big screen. Gracey emphasized that the script was still a work in progress and that rushing it was not an option. “We’re committed to crafting a script that not only excites us but also honors the legacy of the franchise,” he said.

Gracey expressed a strong desire to collaborate with Masashi Kishimoto, the mastermind behind the Naruto universe. “My goal is to work closely with Kishimoto to develop a script that he’d be thrilled to bring to life. After all, who understands the world of Naruto better than its creator?”

Gracey shared his enthusiasm about the project, adding, “It’s an incredible opportunity, and everyone from Lionsgate to the producers understands the weight of this responsibility.”

Fast forward to June 2023, and the project appears to be back on track. Tasha Huo, known for her contributions to “The Witcher: Blood Origin,” has penned a new screenplay draft. While casting details remain under wraps, Kishimoto’s involvement as a consultant is highly likely.

The renewed script has breathed life back into the project. However, it’s clear that the team is proceeding with caution to ensure the adaptation lives up to the franchise’s esteemed reputation.

Also Read: Top 10 Highest-Rated Naruto Shippuden Episodes on IMDb

When Can We Expect the Naruto Live-Action Movie Release?

While the Naruto live-action adaptation has made significant strides, it’s important to manage expectations when it comes to a release date. The film is still in the planning stages, and casting has yet to be announced.

Adding another layer of complexity is the ongoing Hollywood writer’s strike, which has put a damper on numerous productions. Given these factors, it’s reasonable to anticipate a wait of at least 2 to 3 more years before Naruto makes its live-action debut on the big screen.

The journey of the Naruto live-action adaptation has been a mix of highs and lows so far. The involvement of seasoned professionals and the original creator offers a glimmer of hope. While the project is far from in the production phase, fans can at least be optimistic that Naruto may eventually grace the big screen in a manner true to its roots.