Live-Action Naruto Film Eyes Charles Melton for Kakashi Role
Lionsgate's live-action Naruto film is in talks to cast Charles Melton as Kakashi Hatake, with Destin Daniel Cretton directing and producing
The live-action film adaptation of Masashi Kishimoto's Naruto manga is moving forward, with Charles Melton in final negotiations to play the role of Kakashi Hatake. Melton, known for his work in Riverdale and Beef, would bring the mentoring ninja to life on the big screen. The film is being directed and produced by Destin Daniel Cretton, who has previously worked on Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
Production Details
The production team for the film includes Arad Productions' Avi Arad, Ari Arad, and Emmy Yu, as well as Jeremy Latcham, who are all listed as producers. Tasha Huo is working on the script for the film, which was previously reported to be in development with Michael Gracey attached to direct. The project has been in the works for several years, with Lionsgate closing the rights to adapt the manga into a live-action film in 2015.
Casting Search
The official website for the Naruto franchise announced a global casting search for the main characters Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura in July, with casting for other characters to come at a later date. It is unclear if any other roles have been cast, but the addition of Charles Melton as Kakashi Hatake would be a significant step forward for the project.
History of the Project
The live-action Naruto film has been in development for several years, with various writers and directors attached to the project. The Tracking Board reported in 2015 that Lionsgate had closed the rights to adapt the manga, and that Michael Gracey was in talks to direct. The project has undergone several changes since then, with Jon and Erich Hoeber brought on board to rewrite the script in 2017. The current status of the project is unclear, but the casting of Charles Melton as Kakashi Hatake suggests that it is moving forward.
The Naruto manga has spawned a wide range of adaptations, including television anime series, original video anime projects, anime films, spinoff manga, and video games. The live-action film would be the latest addition to the franchise, which was launched by Masashi Kishimoto in 1999 and has since become a global phenomenon.
