Lionsgate will partner with Sony Pictures for the high-profile live-action feature film adaptation of the “Naruto” anime franchise.
Sony will co-finance the movie and take on international distribution. With the deal in place, Lionsgate has now officially greenlit the project.
“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” helmer Destin Daniel Cretton is set to write and direct the movie based on the manga series by Masashi Kishimoto.
The coming-of-age story follows a young and enthusiastic ninja named Naruto Uzumaki who wants to grow up to be the leader of his ninja village. He also happens to have the spirit of a nine-tailed demon fox inside him.
Originally announced back in 2015, the film was stuck in development hell until last year when Cretton signed on to co-write and direct.
Sony makes a natural home as Cretton has a three-year deal with them, a strong relationship post-Brand New Day, and Sony owns Crunchyroll.
Charles Melton is in talks to play mentor figure Kakashi Hatake and is the only actor involved at this time. Cretton, Jeremy Latcham, Jeyun Munford, Avi Arad, Ari Arad and Emmy Yu are producing. Filming begins early next year.
Source: THR
