In a thrilling announcement for anime enthusiasts worldwide, the iconic series "Naruto" is set to make the jump from the animated realm to live-action cinema. Almost a decade since its debut, the beloved manga and anime are now officially slated for a live-action film adaptation, and the production is well underway.

Lionsgate, a major player in the entertainment industry, has taken the reins of this ambitious project, stirring up excitement among fans who have witnessed successful live-action adaptations of other anime classics.

Photos: Collected

Masashi Kishimoto's masterpiece, "Naruto", has long held a special place in the hearts of fans, and now, the prospect of seeing their favourite characters come to life on the big screen has become a reality. Tasha Huo, an acclaimed writer, has been entrusted with the crucial task of translating Kishimoto's original manga into a script worthy of the source material. However, the extent of Kishimoto's direct involvement in the project remains shrouded in mystery.

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According to reports from Variety, Tasha Huo's next project is none other than the feature adaptation of the renowned anime "Naruto" for Lionsgate. This revelation has sent ripples of anticipation throughout the anime community, marking a significant milestone in the series' journey from page to screen.

The road to a live-action Naruto has been a long and arduous one, with constant speculation and rumours since 2015. The final seal of approval in 2023 has, however, brought much-needed confirmation and excitement. Yet, with the mixed track record of live-action adaptations for anime, including both successes like "Attack on Titan" and disappointments like "Death Note", there's a cautious optimism among fans.

One of the critical challenges faced by the production team is the faithful portrayal of beloved characters, especially the titular ninja, Naruto Uzumaki. The balance of capturing Naruto's lively and determined personality while embodying the calm yet formidable presence of the Hokage is a delicate task. While the cast remains a closely guarded secret, speculation has already begun. Jacob Hopkins, known for voicing Code in "Boruto: Next Generations", is emerging as a strong contender for the role of Naruto, while Nolan Gross is being touted as a fitting choice for Sasuke.

Although an official cast announcement is pending, the gears of production are in motion, promising a visual spectacle for fans. The live-action adaptation of "Naruto" is currently in the works and is expected to hit theatres by the end of 2024, marking a new chapter in the legacy of this iconic anime series.