The long-awaited Naruto live-action movie is officially moving forward, as Lionsgate has opened a worldwide casting search for the three core members of Team 7 — Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno.

The announcement marks one of the most significant developments yet for the Hollywood adaptation of Masashi Kishimoto’s legendary manga series, which has remained one of the most successful Japanese franchises ever created.

A Global Search for Team 7

The worldwide casting call signals that production is progressing seriously, with the studio now looking for actors who can bring Naruto’s iconic trio to life on the big screen.

For many fans, Team 7 represents the heart of the Naruto story, making the casting process one of the most closely watched aspects of the entire project.

A Legendary Manga Heads to Hollywood

Originally created by Masashi Kishimoto, Naruto has become one of the most successful manga series in history, with more than 250 million copies published worldwide and distribution across more than 60 countries.

Its story of friendship, rivalry, perseverance, and personal growth has resonated with generations of readers and viewers around the globe, helping transform Naruto into a global pop-culture phenomenon.

Destin Daniel Cretton Leads the Project

The live-action adaptation will be written and directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, known for his work on Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

Speaking about the project, Cretton shared his admiration for Kishimoto’s work and the impact Naruto has had on fans worldwide.

According to the filmmaker, it is a tremendous honor to bring Naruto’s world and characters to live-action cinema for the first time. He also expressed excitement about launching a global search for Team 7 and introducing the beloved ninja universe to a new generation of moviegoers.

Kishimoto Shares His Excitement

Masashi Kishimoto also commented on the project’s continued progress, describing the adaptation as something he once could hardly imagine becoming reality.

The manga creator praised Cretton’s involvement and said he was thrilled that someone with such talent would be leading the film. Kishimoto added that he looks forward to discovering the actors who will eventually bring his characters to life on screen.

Long Development Journey

While the latest announcement has generated significant excitement, the Naruto live-action project has been in development for quite some time.

Lionsgate originally began developing the adaptation in 2014, and at one point filmmaker Michael Gracey had been attached to direct. However, the project did not move forward at that stage.

Development later resumed under Destin Daniel Cretton, with the project now appearing to have gained strong momentum.

Production Team

The film’s production team includes Avi Arad, Ari Arad, and Emmy Yu from Arad Productions, alongside Jeremy Latcham.

Cretton will also serve as a producer through his company Hisako together with Jeyun Munford.

A Major Milestone for the Adaptation

The launch of a global casting search is an important step for the Naruto live-action movie. Beyond confirming that development is actively progressing, it also raises anticipation among fans eager to see how one of the most beloved manga series of all time will be adapted for Hollywood audiences.

As casting moves forward, all eyes will be on who ultimately earns the opportunity to become the next generation of Team 7.

THIS IS our take

The casting of Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura will likely determine how fans perceive the entire adaptation. With Destin Daniel Cretton at the helm and Kishimoto expressing confidence in the project, the Naruto live-action movie appears to be entering its most promising stage yet. The challenge now is turning one of anime and manga’s most iconic stories into a film that can satisfy longtime fans while welcoming new audiences.