Sony Pictures has joined Lionsgate as a co-financier of the upcoming live-action film adaptation of ‘Naruto’, based on the hugely popular manga series by Japanese creator Masashi Kishimoto.
The partnership follows a competitive bidding process involving several studios. Under the agreement, Sony Pictures will also oversee international distribution, while Lionsgate will continue to manage the film’s development and production and handle its domestic distribution.
“With their deep expertise in manga and anime and global distribution prowess, Sony Pictures is a perfect partner for ‘Naruto’, and we’re thrilled to join forces with Tom Rothman and his team to bring this extraordinary property to audiences around the world,” said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson in a statement.
“We share an enormous ambition for ‘Naruto’ and a commitment to making this a truly global cinematic event that stays true to what millions of existing fans love and invites so many more to embrace what makes it truly special.”
The film will be directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, who recently helmed ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’, which reportedly grossed US$2.52 billion worldwide.
In addition to directing, Cretton will write the screenplay and produce the film.
“As a longtime fan of ‘Naruto’, I’ve always loved that beneath the extraordinary action is a story filled with heart, humour and humanity. Kishimoto-sensei created a world where unlikely heroes do extraordinary things, and that’s what makes it so special,” Cretton said.
“Lionsgate has been an incredible partner, and I’m thrilled to reunite with the fantastic team at Sony. Together, we’re committed to capturing everything fans love about ‘Naruto’ while introducing it to a whole new generation.”
The original manga was serialised in Weekly Shonen Jump from 1999 to 2014, concluding with 700 chapters. It has sold more than 250 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling manga series of all time. Its anime adaptation began airing in 2002.
Production is scheduled to begin in spring 2027.
