Live-action ‘Naruto’ enters casting phase

Lionsgate has officially launched a worldwide casting search for the lead roles in its upcoming live-action adaptation of Naruto, marking a significant step forward for the long-developing film based on Masashi Kishimoto’s bestselling manga series. According to Variety, the search is focused on casting the three central members of Team 7: Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno. Additional casting for supporting characters will take place at a later stage.

The film is being written and directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, whose previous directing credits include Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. In a statement shared with Variety, Cretton said it is “an honor” to bring Kishimoto’s world to the big screen and expressed excitement about beginning the global search for the actors who will portray Team 7. 

Kishimoto also commented on the casting process, saying he is looking forward to meeting the actors who will portray his characters and hopes the project continues to bring together “miraculous encounters.” His statement accompanied the announcement of the international casting initiative. 

Lionsgate first announced its live-action Naruto adaptation in 2023. The project is being produced by Arad Productions alongside Cretton’s Hisako Productions. The latest announcement signals that the film has entered a new phase of pre-production as filmmakers begin assembling the principal cast. 

At this time, no actors have been officially cast in the lead roles, and Lionsgate has not announced a production start date or theatrical release date. The casting search represents the first public step toward filling the film’s main ensemble and moving the adaptation closer to production.