Live-action anime adaptations have long carried a bad reputation, and often for good reason, as many such projects are considered some of the worst movies of all time. That’s why the upcoming Naruto film has been met with a fair share of skepticism.
Nevertheless, the movie based on Masashi Kishimoto’s beloved manga and Studio Pierrot’s iconic anime continues to move forward. And if a recent report proves accurate, the production may soon secure an Emmy-nominated actor who is said to be in talks for one of the franchise’s most cherished roles.
Charles Melton Could Play Kakashi Hatake in the Live-Action Naruto Movie
The live-action film set in the ninja universe was announced in early 2024. Destin Daniel Cretton was confirmed as the director though details about the cast, such as who will play the lead roles, are practically unknown.
However, according to a new exclusive from The Hollywood Reporter, Charles Melton is in final negotiations to portray Kakashi Hatake, the mentor of Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno. The character ranks among the most pivotal figures in the series’ lore.
Melton appears to be a particularly fitting choice for the part. Not only is he an avid fan of anime and manga, but he also brings legitimate martial arts credentials to the table as the 35-year-old actor holds a second-degree black belt in taekwondo and previously competed in the Youth Olympic Games in Seoul.
The actor is primarily known for his work on The CW series Riverdale and caught critics’ attention thanks to his roles in May December and Warfare. His performance in the second season of Beef earned him an Emmy nomination.
While reports indicate that Melton is in the final stages of negotiation, it remains unconfirmed whether he will ultimately join the project. Lionsgate, the studio behind the adaptation, declined to comment when contacted by The Hollywood Reporter.
Live-Action Naruto Film Will Begin Filming in 2027
Lionsgate initially attempted to develop a Naruto live-action film roughly a decade ago, though those early efforts never materialized. The project gained renewed momentum when Destin Daniel Cretton, who helmed this year’s blockbuster Spider-Man: Brand New Day, signed on as director in 2024.
Kishimoto himself has endorsed Cretton’s involvement and even appeared to promote the MCU’s latest film.
“After enjoying his other films and understanding that his forte is in creating solid dramas about people, I became convinced that there is no other director for Naruto,” Kishimoto said a few years ago.
With Spider-Man: Brand New Day now released, Cretton has cleared his schedule for what is expected to be his next major project. Production is tentatively set to begin around February 2027, by which time the remainder of the principal cast is expected to be announced.
In July, the director confirmed that auditions are already underway for the roles of Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, with the studio reportedly seeking fresh young talent to bring these iconic characters to life. A release date has not yet been set.
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