When Does the Live-Action Naruto Movie Start Filming? Sony, Lionsgate, Cast, and Release Updates

The long-developing live-action Naruto film adaptation has secured a major industry milestone. Sony Pictures has officially partnered with Lionsgate to co-finance the feature film and handle its international distribution. The deal has allowed Lionsgate to formally greenlight the high-profile project, with cameras targeted to begin rolling in spring 2027.

The partnership brings together two heavyweights in mainstream entertainment. Director and screenwriter Destin Daniel Cretton, who helmed Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and directed Spider-Man: Brand New Day, maintains a overall multi-year contract with Sony Pictures. Additionally, Sony’s ownership of anime streaming giant Crunchyroll provides unmatched strategic alignment for bringing one of Shonen Jump’s most celebrated intellectual properties to global moviegoers.

For official franchise announcements and media updates, visit the official Naruto website.

From 2015 to 2027: A Decade of Development

A live-action Hollywood adaptation of Masashi Kishimoto‘s global manga hit has been in the works for over a decade. Lionsgate first acquired the film rights to the franchise back in 2015, originally attaching The Greatest Showman director Michael Gracey to helm the project.

The adaptation languished in pre-production until Cretton signed on to direct and write the screenplay. Cretton will produce the film alongside Jeyun Munford via their Hisako banner, alongside veteran producers Avi Arad, Ari Arad, and Emmy Yu of Arad Productions, and Jeremy Latcham.

Manga creator Masashi Kishimoto previously expressed enthusiasm for Cretton’s appointment, noting:

“Right now, miracles are happening to me, one after another. My work, Naruto, is really, really becoming a Hollywood movie!”

Team 7 Casting and Production Details

In July 2026, production launched a open global casting call to find the three young actors who will embody Team 7: Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno.

Casting notices indicate the production is seeking performers between 16 and 20 years old—a slight age adjustment from the original manga’s early chapters, where Team 7 begins their journey around age 12 or 13. While no official character castings have been finalized by the studio, Charles Melton (May December, Riverdale) has been reported in talks to portray Team 7’s masked mentor, Kakashi Hatake.

During New York Comic Con 2026, Cretton sent a direct message to fans reassuring them of the team’s commitment to respecting Kishimoto’s source material:

“We are approaching the world, the relationships, and the journeys that Kishimoto-sensei created with great care, and we want to capture what makes NARUTO so special. We are working hard and look forward to sharing more soon.”

While an exact theatrical release window remains unannounced, industry projections estimate the blockbuster could arrive in theaters by 2028, depending on production schedules following its 2027 shoot.

Franchise Renaissance: Project Rasengan and Beyond

The live-action film’s greenlight arrives amid a major revival for the broader franchise. During New York Comic Con on October 10, 2026, Shueisha and Studio Pierrot unveiled Project Rasengan, a comprehensive multi-year initiative designed to expand the Naruto universe globally across anime, manga, and gaming.

Further story details regarding Kishimoto’s new manga, Naruto: Shadow Rising, are scheduled to be revealed on the dedicated Naruto stage at Jump Festa 2027, taking place December 19 to 20, 2026, at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When does the live-action Naruto movie start filming?

Filming for the live-action Naruto movie is scheduled to begin in spring 2027, with Lionsgate producing and Sony Pictures co-financing and handling international distribution.

Who is directing the live-action Naruto movie?

Destin Daniel Cretton is directing and writing the screenplay. Cretton previously directed Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

Who is playing Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura in the movie?

The lead roles for Team 7 have not yet been announced. Lionsgate launched a global casting search to fill the roles of Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno.

What is Project Rasengan?

Announced at New York Comic Con 2026, Project Rasengan is a multi-year franchise initiative encompassing new manga releases, a 4-episode Naruto x Ninkū anime crossover, global video game launches, and a physical trading card game.