Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson confirmed the partnership in a statement published on November 3. Lionsgate continues to oversee development and production and handles domestic distribution. Sony takes the lead internationally.
Production is expected to start in spring 2027
Destin Daniel Cretton, director of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, is writing and directing the adaptation of Masashi Kishimoto’s manga. Production is expected to begin in spring 2027. The film has no announced theatrical date.
In July, Lionsgate and Cretton opened a worldwide casting search for Team 7’s three central characters: Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura. Kishimoto shared a message for the casting call and said he looked forward to meeting the actors who would play them.
Sources: Official Naruto casting announcement, Lionsgate statement and November 3 production reporting.
