Live-action 'Naruto' movie launches global casting call for lead actors

Producers of the live-action Naruto movie have launched a global casting search for its three lead actors.

As reported by Variety, the search will fill the main roles of Naruto and his close friends Sasuke and Sakura.

“Kishimoto-sensei’s stories have inspired generations of fans around the world, and it’s an honor to bring his world and characters to the big screen in live action for the very first time,” writer and director Destin Daniel Cretton said in a statement sent to the outlet. “I’m thrilled to kick off this worldwide casting search for our Team 7 and to bring the incredible universe of Naruto to life!” 

“Right now, miracles are happening to me, one after another. My work, Naruto is truly, truly becoming a Hollywood movie!" Naruto manga creator Masashi Kishimoto said in a separate statement. "And an even greater miracle is that the film will be directed by the one and only Destin Daniel Cretton. I still cannot believe it!" 

"If so many miracles have already come together, then let us hope for even more. I am eagerly looking forward to the miraculous encounters that will bring us extraordinary and passionate actors. I cannot wait to meet my characters in the film,” he added. 

The live-action Naruto movie was first announced by Lionsgate in 2023. 

Producers of the film include Arad Productions and Cretton's Hisako Productions. 

Naruto follows teen ninja Naruto Uzumaki, who dreams of becoming the next Hokage, or his village's leader and protector. As per Variety, the Naruto manga has been printed over 250 million copies in more than 60 countries and territories. 

Cretton is best known for directing Marvel Cinematic Universe movies Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings in 2021 and the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day. He has previously worked with Lionsgate in 2017's The Glass Castle, which he also wrote and directed.