Matt Schley
February 25, 2024 
The long-gestating live-action Naruto film from Hollywood studio Lionsgate now has a director. Destin Daniel Cretton, who helmed the Marvel film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, will write and direct the film, according to Hollywood Reporter.
The pick comes with the blessing of Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto, who was quoted as saying:
When I heard of Destin’s attachment, it happened to be right after watching a blockbuster action film of his, and I thought he would be the perfect director for Naruto. After enjoying his other films and understanding that his forte is in creating solid dramas about people, I became convinced that there is no other director for Naruto. In actually meeting Destin, I also found him to be an open-minded director who was willing to embrace my input, and felt strongly that we would be able to cooperate together in the production process.
The film has been in development since 2015. Last year it was reported that writer Tasha Huo was working on the script.
Aside from Shang-Chi, Destin Daniel Cretton is also known for the films The Glass Castle and Just Mercy.
Here’s how Viz describes Naruto:
Twelve years ago the Village Hidden in the Leaves was attacked by a fearsome threat. A nine-tailed fox spirit claimed the life of the village leader, the Hokage, and many others. Today, the village is at peace and a troublemaking kid named Naruto is struggling to graduate from Ninja Academy. His goal may be to become the next Hokage, but his true destiny will be much more complicated. The adventure begins now!
Source: Hollywood Reporter
