Jacob Batalon, known for his role as Ned Leeds in the Spider-Man films, has shared what he believes director Destin Daniel Cretton is most drawn to in the Naruto universe, potentially indicating a central focus for the upcoming live-action movie.
Speaking on The Anime Effect podcast, Batalon suggested that Cretton's interest may lie in the origin story of Team 7, the foundational group comprising Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and their leader Kakashi. "I think he likes the aspect of Team 7 and their coming-up story," Batalon explained. He elaborated that origin stories are crucial for adapting established intellectual properties to a wider audience, providing a relatable entry point for those unfamiliar with the source material.
While Batalon conceded that Cretton might pivot to unexpected narrative choices, he believes the Team 7 dynamic is a strong candidate for the film's core. This aligns with previous reports, such as Charles Melton reportedly being in final negotiations to play Kakashi. The search for the actor to portray Naruto himself is ongoing, with an open casting call seeking athletic, expressive young male actors between 16 and 20 years old who are fluent in English.
Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto has expressed immense enthusiasm for the project, calling the impending Hollywood adaptation and Cretton's direction a "greater miracle."