Shang-Chi director to helm live-action Naruto movie

The American production company Lionsgate has revealed the director and screenwriter of the live-action film Naruto!

Destin Daniel Cretton (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, The Way of Justice, The Glass Castle) will be the director and screenwriter of the live-action film Naruto.

The Naruto manga has sold over 250 million copies in over 60 countries and territories.

Destin Daniel Cretton had this to say about the project:

"It was a true honor to meet Kishimoto-san in Tokyo and hear his expansive vision for his creation."

"We're very excited to collaborate and bring Naruto to the big screen."

Masashi Kishimoto, the author of Naruto, said:

"When I first heard about Destin Daniel Cretton's involvement, it was right after watching one of his blockbuster action movies, 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 am convinced that there is no other director for a Naruto live-action movie. »

"By actually meeting Destin Daniel Cretton, I also discovered that he is an open-minded director, willing to accept my ideas, and I strongly felt that we would be able to cooperate together in the production process."

"To sum up, the live-action Naruto movie is sure to be a movie with spectacular action and deep drama. I can't help but get excited for it. »

Avi Arad, Ari Arad and Emmy Yu will produce for Arad Productions with Jeremy Latcham. Cretton will also produce alongside Jeyun Munford through his company, Hisako.

Adam Fogelson, President of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group revealed:

"Naruto, the classic work of the manga, is loved by millions of fans around the world, and Destin Daniel Cretton has delivered a vision for the film that we believe will excite this huge fanbase as well as those who discover the film."

"Avi and I have had the pleasure of working together before and I know that collaborating with Destin Daniel Cretton and the team on Naruto is in extraordinary hands."

Destin Daniel Cretton has also been tapped to direct a sequel to Shang-Chi, and he recently produced the series American Born Chinese for Disney+.