Lionsgate and director Destin Daniel Cretton have initiated a worldwide casting search for the principal roles in their upcoming live-action Naruto film. The studio announced via social media on Thursday that the search will focus on finding actors to play the young shinobi Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, the core members of Team 7. Casting for additional characters is expected to follow.
Destin Daniel Cretton, who is also set to direct Marvel's upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. "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," Cretton stated in the casting call announcement. "I'm thrilled to kick off this worldwide casting search for our Team 7 and to bring the incredible universe of Naruto to life!"
Naruto manga creator Masashi Kishimoto shared his excitement about the project's Hollywood realization. "My work, Naruto, is truly, truly becoming a Hollywood movie!" Kishimoto said. "And an even greater miracle is that the film will be directed by the one and only Destin Daniel Cretton. I still cannot believe it! ... I am eagerly looking forward to the miraculous encounters that will bring us extraordinary and passionate actors! I cannot wait to meet my characters in the film!"
The live-action Naruto movie is currently entering its pre-production phase.