NARUTO Live-Action Movie: Worldwide Casting Search Begins

Masashi Kishimoto’s beloved manga NARUTO is officially heading to Hollywood. In July 2026, Lionsgate announced the start of a worldwide casting search for the film’s lead roles, with Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings director Destin Daniel Cretton attached to helm the project. The news has quickly become one of the biggest talking points among fans worldwide. Here’s a roundup of everything confirmed so far.

Worldwide Casting Search Is Underway

In July 2026, Lionsgate announced that a worldwide casting search has begun for the lead roles of the live-action NARUTO film. The search is focused on “Team 7”: Naruto Uzumaki, a boy dreaming of becoming a ninja; Sasuke Uchiha, his prodigiously talented childhood friend; and Sakura Haruno, a skilled medical ninja. As three of the most iconic characters in the franchise, casting news for these roles is expected to draw massive attention from fans around the world.

At this time, only the start of the casting search has been officially confirmed. Details on how to apply, the start of production, and a release date have not yet been announced. This article will be updated as more information becomes available.

Director Destin Daniel Cretton

The live-action NARUTO film will be directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, best known for helming Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021). He is also currently the director of the highly anticipated Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Having moved fluidly between intimate family dramas and large-scale blockbuster action, Cretton’s approach to translating NARUTO‘s world and characters to live action is generating considerable anticipation.

Producers

The film is produced by Lionsgate, with producers including Avi Arad, Ari Arad, Emmy Yu, and Jeremy Latcham, alongside Cretton’s own production company, Hisako. Avi Arad’s involvement, given his extensive history producing Marvel films, signals that this project is being developed at a major studio scale.

Comments From Kishimoto and Cretton

Alongside the announcement, both creator Masashi Kishimoto and director Destin Daniel Cretton shared statements.

Masashi Kishimoto’s Statement

“Right now, miracles keep happening for me one after another. NARUTO becoming a Hollywood film, and having director Destin Daniel Cretton bring it to life — I still can’t quite believe it. I’m looking forward to the miraculous encounter with passionate, wonderful actors!”

Destin Daniel Cretton’s Statement

“Kishimoto-sensei’s story has inspired generations of fans around the world. I feel honored to bring this world and these characters to the big screen in live action for the first time.”

Both statements reflect a shared respect for the source material as the project moves forward. Fans will be watching closely for future casting announcements.

Cretton’s Next Film Opens July 31

Before diving into NARUTO, Cretton has one more major release on the horizon: Spider-Man: Brand New Day, opening simultaneously in Japan and the US on Friday, July 31, 2026. The film stars Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal, and Mark Ruffalo, and has generated major buzz as Cretton’s follow-up to the critically praised Shang-Chi.

The live-action NARUTO project is expected to move into full production after this release, meaning the casting announcement arrives at a moment when Cretton’s directorial momentum is at its peak. Fans curious about his current directing style may want to check out Spider-Man: Brand New Day when it opens July 31.

Cretton’s breakout Marvel film, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, was praised for centering an Asian lead in a major blockbuster. How he brings that same sensibility to the distinctly East Asian-influenced world of NARUTO is one of the biggest questions surrounding this new project.

FAQ

Q. When will the live-action NARUTO movie be released?

A. As of July 2026, no release date has been officially announced. The project is currently at the stage of a worldwide casting search for the lead roles. This article will be updated as new information is confirmed.

Q. Can anyone apply for the casting search?

A. Details on how to apply have not been officially announced as of this writing. Please check back for updates.

Q. What other films has the director made?

A. Director Destin Daniel Cretton is known for Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and is also directing Spider-Man: Brand New Day, releasing July 31, 2026.

This article reflects information available at the time of writing. Please check official sources for the latest updates on release dates and casting.

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