I’m Worried About The Naruto Movie, But Not Because Of All The Disastrous Hollywood Live-Action Anime Adaptations
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Naruto is one of the biggest anime franchises of all time, but despite Hollywood’s lackluster history with live-action adaptations, that’s not the main reason I’m worried about the upcoming film. Having conquered the world of manga and anime, Naruto is set to try its luck in the live-action world as a new movie has been confirmed. Naturally, the mixed reception to other adaptations means the live-action Naruto movie must do the anime justice and try to overcome the stigma that these projects have set, but that will be easier said than done, especially with the challenges that lie ahead.
The likes of One Piece and Alice in Borderland proved this transition can be done well, but they both have the luxury of a TV format. Still, the early updates about the live-action Naruto movie have been positive and indicate it could have an optimistic future, but it may already be facing some directorial issues. Destin Daniel Cretton has been hired to write and direct the highly anticipated project, with his track record suggesting he could be the perfect fit. However, his complicated schedule means that committing time to the Naruto film may not be so simple.
The Naruto Movie’s Director Is Now Helming Spider-Man 4 For Sony & Marvel
Destin Daniel Cretton Is Involved With One Of 2026’s Most Anticipated Movies
Despite having the live-action Naruto movie on his plate, Destin Daniel Cretton will also helm Spider-Man 4, one of the biggest upcoming movies set for 2026. With No Way Home creating a completely unknown future for Peter Parker, the next Spider-Man film is sure to pique fans’ interest and be a huge hit for Marvel, especially when looking at the previous entries. Collectively, the three MCU Spider-Man films have grossed over $4 billion, and despite Marvel’s recent difficulties at the box office, it seems inevitable that the next Spider-Man project will continue the series’ positive trajectory.
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It’s not that a live-action version of Naruto couldn’t work—in fact, it could be brilliant, but it requires an unorthodox approach.
Cretton has worked with Marvel before, but it will be his first time in charge of a Peter Parker story, making it all the more important to the director’s career. With updates surrounding Spider-Man 4 continuing to surface, it seems like work on the next movie is the priority for everyone at Marvel and Sony, including Cretton. Therefore, his attachment to the MCU project creates questions about when the Naruto film will actually be released, and assuming work starts in the near future, I’m a little worried that the director will struggle with balancing these two massive projects.
Destin Daniel Cretton Is A Very Busy Director (And Should Continue To Be After Spider-Man)
The Director Doesn’t Look Like His Workload Will Be Slowing Down Any Time Soon
While Spider-Man 4 and Naruto are both mammoth projects, they aren’t the only bits of work Cretton will have in the future. He is also set to helm the Shang-Chi sequel – having directed the first movie – which is easily one of the most notable films of Cretton’s career. There have been few updates regarding Shang-Chi 2‘s release date or story, but despite speculation of it being canceled, the movie is still set to go ahead after being confirmed back in 2021, likely being postponed due to Marvel and Cretton’s ever-changing schedules.
Based on his recent work, it seems likely that Cretton will continue working closely with Marvel on an abundance of shows and movies, meaning his busy schedule will only get cluttered.
Cretton has also been working on Marvel’s Wonder Man, a miniseries that he directed and co-created, which is now officially in post-production. Based on his recent work, it seems likely that Cretton will continue working closely with the superhero franchise on an abundance of shows and movies, meaning his busy schedule will only get cluttered. This has already created questions about Shang Chi 2‘s status, and it could have a knock-on effect on Naruto, assuming new details aren’t released sometime in the coming months.
As great as it is to see such a talented director and writer get so much work, it does start to reduce the chances of getting the live-action Naruto movie any time soon. While Cretton appears to still be committed to the project, his cluttered calendar does make the possibility of plans changing more likely, which would be tragic given how pivotal the director is to its chances of success.
The Naruto Movie Should Only Happen If Destin Daniel Cretton Is Still Directing It
Naruto’s Live-Action Debut Needs Cretton To Succeed
The live-action Naruto film is already poised to be divisive simply based on Hollywood’s past regarding anime adaptations, but Lionsgate should only go ahead with it if Cretton is still directing. He was a key part of making the project happen in the first place, as Naruto‘s creator gave Cretton his blessing to lead the project. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Masashi Kishimoto even claimed Cretton “would be the perfect director for Naruto”, confirming how important it is he remains involved in making the live-action movie come to life.
The Naruto live-action movie was confirmed in 2015 but is still yet to begin filming.
In addition, Cretton’s vision seems encouraging, as he claimed he wanted to capture the “nuanced and special” aspects of the manga. It has also been speculated that the film will focus on the Land of Waves arc, a fan favorite among Naruto‘s audience that also has the right elements to work in a movie format. With Cretton seemingly having a strong idea of what Naruto‘s first live-action outing will look like, he’s practically irreplaceable – especially when considering Kishimoto’s comments – meaning the project can’t afford to persevere without him after almost a decade of delays.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Naruto
- First Episode Air Date
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October 3, 2002
Summary
Naruto is a Japanese manga and anime franchise created by Masashi Kishimoto. It follows Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja striving for recognition and aiming to become the Hokage, the leader of his village. The franchise has a global fanbase due to its rich storytelling, character development, and themes of perseverance and friendship. It has expanded into anime series, films, novels, video games, and more. The sequel series Boruto continues the story, focusing on Naruto’s son, Boruto Uzumaki.
