What is Naruto?

Naruto is a manga series created by Masashi Kishimoto that tells the story of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who dreams of becoming the leader of his village. The manga has sold more than 250 million copies worldwide and spawned a popular anime series, multiple movies, and video games. Naruto is widely regarded as one of the most influential and beloved anime franchises of all time.

Who is Destin Daniel Cretton?

Destin Daniel Cretton is a filmmaker who directed the Marvel Studios’ film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, which was released in 2023 and became a critical and commercial success. Cretton is also known for his previous films such as Short Term 12, The Glass Castle, and Just Mercy. Cretton is a fan of Naruto and has met with Kishimoto in Tokyo to discuss his vision for the live-action adaptation.

What is the live-action movie about?

Lionsgate announced on February 23, 2024, that they are developing a live-action movie based on Naruto, with Cretton as the writer, director, and producer. The movie will be a collaboration between Lionsgate, Arad Productions, and Shueisha, the publisher of Naruto. The movie will aim to bring the manga to the big screen and introduce it to a new audience, as well as satisfy the existing fan base. The movie does not have a release date or a cast yet, but it is expected to follow the main story of Naruto and his journey to become a ninja.

How did the fans react?

The announcement of the live-action movie sparked mixed reactions from the fans of Naruto. Some fans were excited and hopeful that Cretton will deliver a faithful and respectful adaptation of the manga, especially after his success with Shang-Chi. They praised Cretton’s skills in creating solid dramas and action scenes, and his openness to Kishimoto’s input. They also expressed their curiosity and anticipation for the movie.

However, some fans were skeptical and distrustful of the live-action movie, due to the poor track record of previous live-action adaptations of anime, such as Death Note, Dragonball Evolution, and Ghost in the Shell. They feared that the movie will ruin the source material, lose its essence, and whitewash the characters. They also doubted that the movie will be able to capture the complexity and depth of the manga, or the iconic Naruto running style.

Some fans suggested that the movie should focus on a specific arc or an original story, rather than trying to cram the entire manga into one film. Some fans also preferred to see an animated movie or a series, rather than a live-action one.

Here are some of the tweets from the fans:

• I think the only way #Naruto works as a movie is if one of the canon animated films (or something original) is adapted…you can’t adapt the main story…like at all. #AvatarTheLastAirbender couldn’t even adapt 20 episodes as a movie… 
• Please, don’t live action my baby. Hasn’t Naruto been through enough in his life already? 
• Not all anime need a live action
• Wow, another live action to destroy the source material.
• I’m actually excited for this. Destin Daniel Cretton is a great director and I trust him to do justice to Naruto. Plus, he met with Kishimoto and got his approval. I think this could be the first good live action anime movie.
• Naruto is one of my favorite anime of all time and I’m curious to see how they will adapt it. I hope they cast Asian actors and respect the culture and the characters. I’m cautiously optimistic.
• Land of waves is the only Naruto arc that can be adapted into a movie and I really hope that’s the case… 
• YALL DONT UNDERSTAND AT ALL. NARUTO IS MY CHILDHOOD. MY LIFE. MY EVERYTHING. IF THEY MESS THIS UP I WILL RIOT.

What is the future of Naruto?

Naruto is not the only anime that is getting a live-action adaptation. Netflix is also working on live-action series based on One Piece, Cowboy Bebop, and Avatar: The Last Airbender. However, the results of these adaptations are yet to be seen, and the fans are divided on whether they are necessary or desirable.

Naruto is also continuing its legacy with its sequel series, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, which follows the adventures of Naruto’s son and his friends. The manga and the anime are still ongoing, and have introduced new characters, villains, and mysteries.

Naruto is a phenomenon that has transcended its medium and its genre, and has touched the hearts and minds of millions of fans around the world. Whether the live-action movie will be able to do the same remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Naruto will always be a legend. Believe it!