Lionsgate has launched a global casting search to find the actors for the three main lead roles in its upcoming live-action Naruto film.
The studio is looking for performers to play Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno, according to an official announcement on Friday, July 17, 2026.
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Film Adaptation Details
The project adapts Masashi Kishimoto's iconic ninja manga, which originally ran in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump from 1999 to 2014 and has sold over 250 million copies worldwide.
Destin Daniel Cretton, known for directing Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, will write and direct the film.
He is also producing under his company Hisako alongside Jeyun Munford.
Avi Arad, Ari Arad, and Emmy Yu are producing through Arad Productions, with Jeremy Latcham also serving as producer.
This marks the first live-action adaptation of the Naruto manga.
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Cretton expressed his excitement in a statement, saying, "Kishimoto-sensei's stories have inspired generations of fans around the world, and it's an honor to bring his world and characters to the big screen in live action for the very first time."
Original creator Masashi Kishimoto also shared his enthusiasm, stating, "My work, Naruto, is truly, truly becoming a Hollywood movie!
And an even greater miracle is that the film will be directed by the one and only Destin Daniel Cretton."
Lionsgate first secured the adaptation rights in July 2015.
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Previous script iterations involved writers Tasha Huo, Jon Hoeber, and Erich Hoeber, with early directorial talks including Michael Gracey.
