Destin Daniel Cretton Directing Live-Action ‘Naruto’ Film For Lionsgate

Destin Daniel Cretton (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) has been tapped to write and direct Lionsgate‘s forthcoming live-action adaptation of the manga classic Naruto, created by Masashi Kishimoto.

Specifics as to Cretton’s take on the material are under wraps.

One of the world’s most popular IP, Naruto has sold over 250 million copies in more than 60 countries and territories. The manga follows the journey of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja with dreams of becoming leader of his village. He faces an uphill battle in this mission, given the fact that the Nine-Tailed Fox spirit sealed within him at birth once brought destruction upon the place. Previously, the source material has spawned an anime adaptation, as well as video games, numerous anime films, sequel series Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, and more.

Producers on the Naruto film include Avi Arad, Ari Arad, and Emmy Yu for Arad Productions, as well as Jeremy Latcham, Cretton, and Jeyun Munford for Hisako. James Myers oversees the project for Lionsgate after doing the same for Cretton’s Brie Larson drama The Glass Castle.

Bonnie Stylides oversaw the negotiations of the deal for Lionsgate.