“Project Rasengan,” a global initiative for the next era of Naruto, was announced at New York Comic Con. Designed to expand the franchise across various media including manga, anime, games, and trading card games, a three-year roadmap spanning 2027 to 2029 was unveiled.
The roadmap features a new manga illustrated by original creator Masashi Kishimoto, a new anime series titled “Naruto x Ninku,” the global launch of the mobile game “Naruto Mobile,” and the “Naruto Card Game” scheduled for release in June 2027. Several unannounced projects are also in the pipeline, with additional details expected in future updates.
Masashi Kishimoto’s ‘Naruto: Shadow Rising’
A new manga drawn directly by the original creator
The most surprising reveal was undoubtedly the brand-new manga drawn directly by original creator Masashi Kishimoto. Titled “Naruto: Shadow Rising,” a teaser video was released alongside the announcement.
The video features the Hokage Rock overlooking the Hidden Leaf Village with six past Hokage faces and a seventh under construction. It goes on to reveal the original Team 7 members, including Naruto lifting his Hokage hat, Kakashi smiling brightly, Sasuke standing proudly, and Sakura looking down at a baby. The teaser concludes with a scene showing Naruto and Sasuke clashing.
Specific plot details and serialization schedules for the new manga were not disclosed. Additional details will be announced at Jump Festa 2027, taking place at Makuhari Messe in Japan from December 19 to 20.
A four-episode collaboration work
A new anime project was also unveiled. Titled “Naruto x Ninku,” this all-new collaboration between “Naruto” and “Ninku” will consist of four episodes. Masashi Kishimoto and Koji Kiriyama, the original creators of both franchises, will supervise every episode.
Ninku is a 1990s ninja manga by Koji Kiriyama that served as a major influence on Masashi Kishimoto when creating Naruto. The crossover anime tells a new story where the two worlds collide. Team 7’s Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura receive a mission from Kakashi, with Naruto stepping up as interim team leader in Kakashi’s place. However, during the mission, the three stray into another world, where they encounter Fusuke, a boy with a frog-like face.
Regarding the crossover, Masashi Kishimoto stated, “I drew Naruto because I wanted to see what happened next in Ninku, and I was heavily influenced by it. Without Ninku, Naruto would not exist,” adding, “I am finally able to realize the crossover between these two works that I’ve dreamed of for a long time.” Koji Kiriyama also expressed his delight at seeing their two worlds intersect and asked fans to look forward to the project.
Additionally, Junko Takeuchi (voice of Naruto) and Rika Matsumoto (voice of Fusuke) will star in the anime. Both voice actors expressed their excitement and gratitude at reprising their iconic roles. The release schedule for the anime has not yet been announced.
Naruto Mobile Global Launch, Naruto Card Game Launching in 2027
A global launch for the mobile fighting action game “Naruto Mobile” has been confirmed. First launched in mainland China in 2016, the game features fighting action between various ninjas spanning the franchise’s history.
A teaser video announcing the global release was unveiled, though the exact service schedule has not yet been finalized. Service availability and supported languages may vary by country and region, and the game may not be accessible in certain areas. Additional information will be announced at Jump Festa 2027.
The release timeline for the trading card game “Naruto Card Game” was also revealed. Targeting a simultaneous worldwide launch in June 2027, the game will debut with three starter decks centered around Naruto, Sasuke, and Gaara, alongside its first booster set.
Starter decks are pre-constructed decks ready to play right out of the box, offering distinct strategic playstyles based on each main character. The first booster set, “Uzumaki Naruto is Coming!,” will introduce new ninjas and jutsu, allowing players to upgrade their starter decks or construct custom original decks. Preview events offering early hands-on gameplay are set to begin in early 2027 prior to the official launch.
Director Destin Daniel Cretton’s Comments
Updates were also shared regarding the live-action “Naruto” film currently in production in Hollywood. Produced by Lionsgate, the project previously announced plans for a global casting call to find actors to portray Team 7 members Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura.
Director Destin Daniel Cretton shared, “What I’ve always loved about Naruto is that the protagonist is a character who could easily be seen as just a sidekick. He’s boisterous, tries too hard, and people underestimate him. But he has an incredible heart. No matter how many times he fails or falls, he never stops believing in himself and fighting for the people he loves,” adding, “That spirit is the core story we want to tell.”
He continued, “These characters mean so much to so many people, and I keep that in mind every day as we make this film. We want to approach the world, relationships, and journey with care to capture what makes Naruto special.” Lastly, Cretton noted that production is currently underway, with plans to share further details in the near future.
Meanwhile, further details on major projects under Project Rasengan—including the new manga, anime, and games—will be announced at the Naruto Jump Super Stage during Jump Festa 2027 this December. Information regarding Project Rasengan will be made available through the official Naruto website.
This article was originally written in Korean and translated with the help of AI. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
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