The anticipation surrounding the live-action adaptation of Naruto is reaching new heights, but a recent update might put a bit of a damper on fans’ excitement. The original writer, Tasha Huo, is handing over the reins to the new director, Destin Daniel Cretton.
He is best known for his work on Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. As the project moves forward, fans are wondering about the film’s future. Moreover, the recent update (which might impact the beloved anime) has left them feeling both hopeful and a bit worried!
Live-Action Naruto Film Faces Troubling Update from Director
Destin Daniel Cretton directing the live-action Naruto is both exciting and a bit of a risk for fans. Recently, Tasha Huo told EW that Cretton’s knack for personal and relatable stories makes him a great fit to capture the heart of the original series. She believes his involvement will help steer clear of shallow adaptations that are just about making money. The TV producer added:
I think that’s such a cool choice because he’s going to be able to capture how nuanced and special Naruto is without getting distracted by the big world that it is, which I think could easily be done by someone who’s not a fan or someone who’s coming in for a cash payday. This is definitely a movie that comes at it from a love of who Naruto is and that character and his relationships.
Cretton, known for his smart storytelling is set to bring a deep understanding of Naruto’s world and character to the movie. He wants to focus on Naruto’s personal journey without getting lost in the massive ninja world around him. However, that’s not what fans are raving about.
Check out some fan reactions:
https://twitter.com/bronisabeast/status/1826342230732537901
We don’t need no live action Naruto . Go ahead and scrap that idea right now.
— The Antagonist (@fransthelion315) August 21, 2024
https://twitter.com/Nljigakulive/status/1826346522566689098
Switching from Huo’s script to Cretton’s direction has some people worried. Huo’s script was lauded for sticking to Naruto’s core themes, but fans are nervous that Cretton’s changes might mess with the story’s charm. They’re a bit afraid the film might lose what made the original series so special.
Masashi Kishimoto Praised Destin Daniel Cretton as Ideal Naruto Live-Action Director
Naruto was a big sensation in the world of manga before it became a star on TV. Although the character hit TV screens in 2002, it actually started as a comic book by Masashi Kishimoto in Japan in 1997.
The Japanese manga artist told the same outlet that when he heard of Destin Daniel Cretton’s attachment, he thought the Marvel movie director would be the ideal choice for the live-action adaptation of Naruto. The 49-year-old added:
After enjoying his other films and understanding that his forte is in creating solid dramas about people, I became convinced that there is no other director for [Naruto]. In actually meeting Destin, I also found him to be an open-minded director who was willing to embrace my input, and felt strongly that we would be able to cooperate together in the production process.
Naruto follows the story of the titular character, an orphan who has a demon spirit inside him. He learns to use this power to become an awesome Shinobi.
A release date for the live-action Naruto movie has yet to be announced. However, the Naruto animated series is available to watch on Hulu.
Frequently asked questions
Who is directing the live-action Naruto movie?
Destin Daniel Cretton, best known for directing Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, is set to direct the live-action Naruto film. The article reports that co-writer Tasha Huo, who worked on the script with Cretton, praised his approach, saying the project comes from a genuine love of who Naruto is and that he can capture how nuanced and special the series is.
Why are some Naruto fans worried about the live-action adaptation?
Reactions are mixed. The article reports that some fans oppose a live-action Naruto entirely, with one writing that the idea should be scrapped. Others worry that the changes made for a live-action film could mess with the story’s charm and lose what made the original series so special. No release date has been announced, which adds to the uncertainty.
Does Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto support the film’s director?
Yes. The article reports that Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of the Naruto manga, endorsed Destin Daniel Cretton as the ideal director, reportedly saying there was no other director for Naruto. Kishimoto described Cretton as an open-minded director who was willing to embrace his input, signaling that the original author backs the choice of filmmaker for the adaptation.
