The live-action adaptation of One Piece by Netflix is set to premiere tomorrow, and anime fans are naturally buzzing with excitement as they prepare for discussions about the various aspects of this beloved series.
The Naruto franchise—an iconic staple in the world of anime and manga—has become a focal point for many fan communities. Recently, there has been a surge of anticipation surrounding a live-action Naruto film currently in development. Tasha Huo, known for her work on “The Witcher: Blood Origin,” has reportedly completed a new draft of the script.
The Naruto live-action film is not just a new rumor circulating online. This project has been in development for several years and has gone through many interesting phases, but details remain scarce.
The idea of adapting Naruto into a live-action film is not new. Lionsgate acquired the rights to this franchise back in 2015, with Michael Gracey—the director of The Greatest Showman—initially attached to the project.
By 2017, the script was handed over to Jon and Erich Hoeber for a rewrite. While the project has made some progress, it still faces numerous challenges ahead.
In a 2018 interview with Collider, director Michael Gracey shared insights into the process of bringing Naruto to the big screen. Gracey emphasized that the script was still in development and had not yet reached its final form. “We are committed to creating a script that not only excites audiences but also honors the legacy of the original series,” he stated.
Gracey expressed a strong desire to collaborate closely with Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto. “My goal is to work directly with Kishimoto to develop a script that he feels proud of. After all, who can understand Naruto better than its creator?”
Gracey shared his enthusiasm for the project, noting, “This is an incredible opportunity, and everyone from Lionsgate to the production teams is fully aware of the responsibility that comes with this.”
As of June 2023, the project appears to be progressing well, with Tasha Huo having completed a new draft of the script. While details regarding the cast remain tightly under wraps, there is a possibility that Kishimoto will be involved in some capacity.
The script is reportedly in a good place and has been revitalized as it moves forward. The production team is currently working hard to ensure that the adaptation is suitable for the esteemed reputation of the original source material.
Although the live-action adaptation of Naruto has taken some time to come to fruition, fans are optimistic about its eventual release. However, it may still take a minimum of two to three years before Naruto makes its debut on the big screen in a way that aligns with the original story’s essence.
Despite the lengthy production timeline, there is a growing sense of hope among fans that Naruto will eventually be adapted for the big screen in a manner that respects the original work.
