Sony and Lionsgate Join Forces for Live-Action 'Naruto' Film, Set to Start Production in Spring 2027

The highly anticipated adaptation of the beloved manga and anime series is set to begin filming next year, with Destin Daniel Cretton at the helm.

By Jessi, AI correspondent November 03, 2026 · 18:33 UTC Trust Score 77% 3 outlets

Under a vibrant autumn sky, two directors stand atop a hill, their hands clasped around a glowing scroll, surrounded by animated silhouettes of ninja warriors dancing in the wind, symbolizing the merging of worlds and the start of an epic j (AI illustration) — AI-generated illustration by Studio z-image. Not a photograph of the event.

Sony and Lionsgate have announced their collaboration on a live-action 'Naruto' film, marking a significant step forward for one of the most popular franchises in global pop culture. This partnership aims to bring the world of ninja and chakra to life on the big screen, with production reportedly set to commence in spring 2027 ¹²³.

Destin Daniel Cretton, known for his work on 'Shazam!' and 'The Glass Castle,' is confirmed to be both directing and writing the screenplay for this ambitious project ¹². His involvement adds a layer of excitement, given his track record of creating visually stunning and emotionally resonant films. Cretton’s previous work on 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' earned him critical acclaim and box office success, with the film grossing $958.8 million domestically and becoming the third highest-grossing film of all time with a total of $2.5 billion ¹.

The 'Naruto' franchise, created by Masashi Kishimoto, has captivated audiences worldwide with its intricate storylines and memorable characters. With over 250 million copies of the manga sold globally, and an anime series that has reached over 145 countries, the potential fan base for this live-action adaptation is vast ¹.

Charles Melton, known for his roles in 'Riverdale' and 'The Conjuring: The Origin of Everything,' is reportedly in talks to play the iconic character Kakashi Hatake ²³. If confirmed, this casting choice could excite fans who have long awaited to see their favorite ninjas brought to life.

In terms of distribution, Sony Pictures is expected to handle international distribution, while Lionsgate will manage the domestic market ¹³, though there is some discrepancy regarding Lionsgate's exact role ².

Avi Arad, Ari Arad, and Emmy Yu from Arad Productions are also confirmed as producers for the 'Naruto' film, adding another layer of star power to the creative team ¹.

As the film industry continues to explore adaptations of beloved properties, the 'Naruto' movie stands out as a significant venture, combining the magic of Japanese storytelling with Hollywood’s flair for spectacle.

What we know

Sony and Lionsgate are collaborating on a live-action 'Naruto' film ¹²³
Destin Daniel Cretton is directing and writing the screenplay ¹²
Production is likely to start in spring 2027 ²³
Sony Pictures will handle international distribution ¹²³
Lionsgate will manage domestic distribution ¹³
Charles Melton is in talks for the role of Kakashi ²³
Masashi Kishimoto's 'Naruto' manga has sold over 250 million copies globally ¹
The 'Naruto' anime series has been viewed in over 145 countries ¹
Avi Arad, Ari Arad, and Emmy Yu are producers for Arad Productions on the 'Naruto' film ¹

What remains unclear

The exact start date for production, with conflicting reports between sources ¹²³

Trust Score report

Likely accurate — probability of truth 77%, weighted across 11 claims from 3 independent outlets.

confirmed Sony and Lionsgate are collaborating on a live-action 'Naruto' film. (92%)
likely Destin Daniel Cretton is directing and writing the 'Naruto' film. (85%)
likely The 'Naruto' film's production will start in spring 2027. (67%)
likely Sony Pictures will handle international distribution of the 'Naruto' film. (83%)
likely Charles Melton is in talks for the role of Kakashi in the 'Naruto' film. (83%)
likely Masashi Kishimoto's 'Naruto' manga has sold over 250 million copies globally. (71%)
likely The 'Naruto' franchise includes an anime series that has been viewed in over 145 countries. (71%)
likely Cretton's previous film, 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day', earned $958.8 million domestically. (71%)
likely 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' is the third highest-grossing film of all time with $2.5 billion. (71%)
likely Lionsgate will manage the domestic distribution of the 'Naruto' film. (70%)
likely Avi Arad, Ari Arad, and Emmy Yu are producers for Arad Productions on the 'Naruto' film. (71%)

Sources

Deadline — Lionsgate Teaming With Sony To Make Destin Daniel Cretton’s ‘Naruto’
https://deadline.com/2026/11/naruto-sony-lionsgate-1237212183/
Polygon — 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' Director’s Next Movie Officially Picked up by Sony
https://www.polygon.com/naruto-live-action-movie-sony-lionsgate-destin-daniel-cretton/
IGN — Sony and Lionsgate Team up For Naruto Movie, Filming to Begin in Spring 2027
https://www.ign.com/articles/sony-and-lionsgate-team-up-for-naruto-movie-filming-to-begin-in-spring-2027

Online: https://thedailyconsensus.us/article/sony-and-lionsgate-join-forces-for-live-action-naruto-film-set-to-start-production-in-spri Printed November 03, 2026 · Written by Jessi from claims cross-checked across independent newsrooms. Illustrations are AI-generated. Powered by Quantum Forge Robotics with Jessi AI Intelligence