Naruto: First Plot Details for the Live-Action Film Revealed
Actors aged 12–13 are being sought for the three lead roles
It has been known for several years that Lionsgate has been working on a live-action "Naruto" film – and now things are finally taking shape. Hollywood insider Daniel Richtman has revealed the first details about the plot on his blog. The film is said to be based on the manga's first major story arc and will be titled "Naruto: Mission to the Land of Waves". The story centers on Team 7 – consisting of Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke, and Kakashi – who are tasked with escorting the bridge builder Tazuna to his homeland. The seemingly simple C-rank mission quickly turns out to be a life-threatening A-rank mission when the renegade ninja Zabuza Momochi and his companion Haku cross their path.
According to Richtman, Lionsgate is currently planning an extensive film series. This could result in a total of seven to eight "Naruto" films. Four of them are reportedly set to follow the storyline of "Naruto Shippuden". It should be emphasized, however, that this is speculation. Official confirmation from Lionsgate is still pending.
These changes are apparently planned
Despite the planned fidelity to the manga, the live-action adaptation is not intended to be a 1:1 adaptation. According to current rumors, several changes are planned, primarily affecting the characters and their backstories. For example, Sakura Haruno is said to be portrayed as a much stronger character in the film and to possess her special abilities right from the start. Her family circumstances could also differ significantly from the source material. According to these reports, Sakura comes from a wealthy family. Her father died during Kurama's attack on Konoha, while her mother is described as a rich and rather snobbish woman.
Naruto himself is also said to be characterized somewhat differently. Reportedly, he takes a greater interest in the history of the ninja and delves deeply into the past of this world. At the same time, he has no romantic feelings for Sakura, whereas Sasuke does.
One particularly far-reaching change apparently concerns the Jinchuriki. The live-action version is said to introduce a new concept whereby the ability to harbor a Bijuu like Kurama is tied to a specific bloodline. Accordingly, only people with the appropriate ancestry would be able to have such a being sealed within them. Naruto's mother is said to have possessed one of these special bloodlines, which is why he himself is the host of the nine-tailed fox spirit.
Cast and Crew
The casting process for the three main characters is still in full swing. They are looking for actors aged 12–13. Charles Melton, known forhis roles in "Warfare" and "Riverdale", is currently in talks for the role of Kakashi Hatake. Kakashi takes on the task of training Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura. As Team 7, they embark on numerous missions together and repeatedly find themselves in dangerous situations. With his calm and often somewhat aloof demeanor, he initially comes across as a rather unusual mentor. At the same time, he possesses immense combat experience and is one of the strongest shinobi in his village. He possesses the so-called "Sharingan", which allows him to analyze and mimic his opponents' movements and techniques.
The film is directed and written by Destin Daniel Cretton, director of "Spider-Man: Brand New Day". In an interview with the industry magazine Variety, Cretton expressed his enthusiasm for the project:
"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. I'm thrilled to kick off this worldwide casting search for our Team 7 and to bring the incredible universe of 'Naruto' to life!"
It is not yet known when "Naruto" will hit theaters.