The live-action "Naruto" movie is currently in development with Destin Daniel Cretton, director of "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" and "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings," at the helm. In a recent interview, Cretton revealed that the adaptation won't just focus on flashy ninjutsu and epic battles. Instead, it will delve into the emotional core of Naruto Uzumaki's early days, exploring his rejection by villagers and his fear of the "monster" within.
Speaking with Rolling Stone, Cretton elaborated: "I think the journey that he goes on, in the story that we're about to tell, is something that I feel very close to, not just on a cultural level, but on an emotional level."
"Naruto's journey, his feeling of being an outsider, and the idea that he has this ugly, monstrous, or shameful part of himself, and then realizing that that's actually the thing that makes him unique and gives him his power."
This creative direction also echoes original creator Masashi Kishimoto's own take on Spider-Man. In the recent Disney+ documentary "Generations: The Evolution of Spider-Man," Kishimoto revealed his "deep love for 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2'" and considers Andrew Garfield his favorite live-action Peter Parker. His reasoning isn't about flashy action, but rather how Garfield's portrayal best embodies the heavy burden of "with great power comes great responsibility."
For Kishimoto, Garfield's Peter, even after losing Gwen Stacy and grappling with self-blame and trauma, still chooses to don the suit and protect others. This parallels Naruto's journey as the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, feared and ostracized by the Hidden Leaf Village, yet ultimately choosing to protect its people. Neither are born perfect heroes; instead, they transform their most shameful and painful experiences into strength through loneliness, failure, and sacrifice.
Lionsgate is currently casting for Naruto and Team 7, with reports indicating they're looking for older teenagers to fill the roles. With Kishimoto's blessing, all eyes are on whether Cretton's live-action adaptation can successfully bring this profound story of loneliness and growth to the big screen.
via： FandomWire Rolling Stone