The Hollywood Reporter’s Borys Kit reports that Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings helmer Destin Daniel Cretton take the chair for Lionsgate’s Naruto in a writing and directing capacity. The film is based on the hit manga franchise that launched on the pages of Shueisha in 1999 before taking off in animation from studio Pierrot.
The story of Naruto chronicles the life of Naruto Uzumaki, and his quest to become a ninja despite being cursed from birth as the host of the demonic nine-tailed fox sealed in his body by his father. The anime spawned several shows, films and spin-offs with Lionsgate announcing its nascent efforts in 2015, with word as of late via Kit that the IP’s creator, Masashi Kishimoto has given Cretton his blessing.
“When I heard of Destin’s attachment, it happened to be right after watching a blockbuster action film of his, and I thought he would be the perfect director for Naruto,” said Kishimoto in a statement. “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 Naturo. 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.”
Enthused Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson, “This manga classic is beloved by millions of fans all around the world, and Destin has delivered a vision for the movie that we believe will excite that massive fan base as well as those who are new to it. Avi and I have had the pleasure of working together before and I know that as we collaborate with Destin and the team on Naruto, we are in extraordinary hands.”
Cretton is currently tapped to develop a Shang-Chi sequel as well. As for Naruto, he and Jeyun Munford are also producing via production company, Hisako, along with Avi Arad, Ari Arad and Emmy Yu of Arad Productions (Borderlands), and Jeremy Latcham (Dungeons & Dragons).
Read more at THR.