As "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" enters the record books with a worldwide total of $1.216 billion, setting records by being the fastest film to cross $500 million domestically (7 days) and the second-fastest to reach $1 billion globally (6 days), fans of filmmaker Destin Daniel Cretton should be eagerly awaiting his next work. Fortunately, we already know what he is working on next: a live-action movie based on the hugely popular "Naruto" manga franchise.
The long-awaited project is officially moving forward at Lionsgate, with filmmaker Cretton involved in writing and directing. The film is expected to begin principal photography in the first half of 2027.
Notably, the movie will be the first official feature-length Hollywood live-action adaptation of the property. One of the biggest steps forward is the launch of a worldwide casting search for the main members of Team 7: Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno.
According to the casting breakdown, the production is seeking actors between the ages of 16 and 20 who are primarily Asian or mixed-race. The actors are expected to be available between January and August 2027, suggesting that casting and production plans are already moving into an advanced stage.
A major reason for optimism among fans is the involvement of original "Naruto" creator Masashi Kishimoto. He is serving as a consultant and executive producer and working closely with Cretton on the project. Kishimoto has reportedly met Cretton in Tokyo and given the director his support. His involvement is expected to help ensure that the film remains faithful to the manga, particularly in its characters, story and depiction of chakra and ninjutsu.
Cretton and Tasha Huo are collaborating on the script. Huo has experience working with large fantasy franchises, having served as showrunner and writer on Netflix’s animated "Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft" and "The Witcher: Blood Origin". The script is described as offering a “nuanced and special” version of the Hidden Leaf Village while staying closely connected to the original material.
The story is expected to focus on the early part of Naruto’s journey. While the exact plot has not been confirmed, the first film could cover the opening storylines and potentially lead into the famous Land of Waves arc.
The production team also includes several major Hollywood names. Avi Arad and Ari Arad are producing through Arad Productions. Avi Arad is a veteran producer associated with the "Spider-Man" films and Sony’s animated "Spider-Verse" movies. Jeremy Latcham, known for films including "The Avengers", "Guardians of the Galaxy" and "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves", is also part of the senior production team. Jeyun Munford is producing through Cretton’s Hisako banner.
Lionsgate has been developing the project since acquiring the film rights and is treating it as a major flagship production. Executives James Myers and Jon Humphrey are overseeing the project internally.
