Sony Pictures is officially attached to the live-action Naruto film as co-financier and international distributor, joining Lionsgate on a project years in the making. According to The Wrap, the deal followed a highly competitive bidding war among multiple studios, with Sony winning the rights to international distribution.
Destin Daniel Cretton, who wrote and directed Spider-Man: Brand New Day for Sony and Marvel Studios, a film that grossed $2.52 billion worldwide, will write, direct, and produce the adaptation of Masashi Kishimoto's manga. Lionsgate retains domestic distribution and continues to oversee development and production.
Production is expected to begin in spring 2027. No cast has been announced. The Naruto manga has sold more than 250 million copies worldwide, and the anime adaptation reaches audiences in more than 145 countries.
Tom Rothman, CEO and Chairman of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group, said in a statement that "we had a sweet success this summer with Destin." Lionsgate's Adam Fogelson called Sony "a perfect partner for Naruto." Cretton added: "I can't wait for everyone to see what we're creating."
Ari Arad and Tetsu Fujimura are also named as producers on the project.