Lionsgate and the mangaka Masashi Kishimoto have officially announced the details of the long-awaited Hollywood adaptation
After last November's update, which arrived eight years after the first announcement, Lionsgate today confirmed its intention to bring the Hollywood live-action of Naruto to the cinema, the famous manga by Masashi Kishimoto made history of shonen, selling over 250 million copies. The studio has announced that the project will be handled by a director who comes directly from the Marvel universe: Destin Daniel Cretton, author of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. In addition to directing, Cretton will also be the screenwriter for Naruto.
The news was commented on by Kishimoto himself, creator of the original manga: «I learned of Destin's involvement immediately after seeing an action film of his and I thought he was perfect for Naruto. I have enjoyed his previous films and find that as a director he specializes in creating interesting drama between characters. I am convinced that there cannot be a better author for Naruto." «When I then met him – continued the cartoonist – I also found him willing to listen to my suggestions, and I am sure that we will be able to cooperate in the production process. Long story short, Naruto will definitely be a movie with spectacular action scenes and deep dramatic moments. I can't help but be excited."
The period is certainly propitious to finally bring this long-standing project to light, given the recent boom in Japanese anime and related American adaptations, such as the One Piece Netflix series. The original manga tells the story of a young ninja, Naruto Uzumaki, who dreams of becoming Hokage, the most important ninja of the Leaf Village. The boy, however, spent his entire childhood mocked and marginalized because the spirit of the Nine-Tailed Fox demon was sealed in his body. With perseverance and determination, Naruto will manage to enter the ninja academy while continuing to chase his dream.
Cretton will also produce alongside Jeyun Munford through his company, Hisako. Avi Arad, Ari Arad, Emmy Yu and Jeremy Latcham will serve as producers for Arad Productions.
Source: Variety