Destin Daniel Cretton Directing Live-Action ‘Naruto’ Film For Lionsgate

Matt Grobar
·2 min read
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

Destin Daniel Cretton (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) has been tapped to write and direct Lionsgate’s forthcoming live-action adaptation of the manga classic Naruto, created by Masashi Kishimoto.

Specifics as to Cretton’s take on the material are under wraps.

More from Deadline

One of the world’s most popular IP, Naruto has sold over 250 million copies in more than 60 countries and territories. The manga follows the journey of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja with dreams of becoming leader of his village. He faces an uphill battle in this mission, given the fact that the Nine-Tailed Fox spirit sealed within him at birth once brought destruction upon the place. Previously, the source material has spawned an anime adaptation, as well as video games, numerous anime films, sequel series Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, and more.

Producers on the Naruto film include Avi Arad, Ari Arad, and Emmy Yu for Arad Productions, as well as Jeremy Latcham, Cretton, and Jeyun Munford for Hisako. James Myers oversees the project for Lionsgate after doing the same for Cretton’s Brie Larson drama The Glass Castle.

Most recently directing on and exec producing Disney+’s American Born Chinese, Cretton prior to that helmed Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Previously, he helmed Michael B. Jordan starrer Just Mercy and 2017’s The Glass Castle, having put himself on the map with 2013 indie drama Short Term 12, also starring Larson. Additionally, Cretton exec produces Max’s Tokyo Vice, co-created forthcoming Marvel series Wonder Man, and is set to direct a Shang-Chi sequel.

Bonnie Stylides oversaw the negotiations of the deal for Lionsgate.

Best of Deadline

Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.