After years in development, the live-action "Naruto" movie has taken another major step forward. Lionsgate has announced a partnership with Sony Pictures, which will co-finance the project and handle its international release. Lionsgate will continue to oversee development and production while distributing the film in North America. Cameras are currently expected to roll in spring 2027, though no release date has been announced.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Sony secured the partnership after competing with several other studios. Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson said Sony's experience with manga and anime, along with its global distribution reach, made it an ideal partner for the live-action "Naruto" adaptation. Sony also owns anime streaming service Crunchyroll, and the two studios hope the deal will help bring the movie to a wider international audience.
"Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" and "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" filmmaker Destin Daniel Cretton remains attached as writer, director and producer. “As a long-time fan of Naruto, I’ve always loved that beneath the incredible action was a story full of emotion, humor and humanity,” he said in a statement.
Cretton was first announced as the director of the live-action "Naruto" movie in 2024. A global casting search for Team 7's three central characters — Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno — launched in July 2026. The latest update confirms Sony's involvement in the film's production and distribution while providing a clearer timetable for filming. No cast members have officially been announced.
via： THR