A Naruto movie is in the works with Destin Daniel Cretton

Destin Daniel Cretton, Naruto

Paul Archuleta/Getty Images; Naruto © 1999 by Masashi Kishimoto/Shueisha Corporation.

Narutoone of the most popular manga stories of all time, is headed to the big screen.

Destin Daniel Cretton, who co-wrote and directed the Marvel Studios film Shang Qi and the Legend of the Ten Ringswas tapped to write and direct a live-action version of the Lionsgate title.

Cretton will also produce alongside Jeyun Munford through his company Hisako. The duo joins Avi Arad, Ari Arad and Emmy Yu of Arad Productions, who are behind the studio’s upcoming video game adaptation. Border areasand Jeremy Latcham (Dungeons and Dragons).

Created by Masashi Kishimoto, Naruto It was a coming-of-age story focusing on a young, enthusiastic ninja named Naruto Uzumaki who wants to grow up to become the leader of his ninja village but also happens to have a dragon spirit within him. The story was published in Japan’s popular Weekly Shonen Jump magazine from 1999 to 2014, and followed the character’s coming of age, friendships, and many battles with super-powered ninjas.

In that time, it has become one of the most popular intellectual properties in the world, with over 250 million copies of the collected volumes sold in over 60 countries and territories. She also launched several animated series that ran for years on Cartoon Network, Disney XD, Adult Swim, and other networks. IT has been adapted into video game form and continues to be a marketing juggernaut. Naruto She’s basically built a die-hard fan following around the world for 25 years.

Creighton has Kishimoto’s blessing, something he was granted after his visit to Tokyo.

“When I heard about Destin’s connection, it was after seeing a blockbuster action film, and I thought he would be the perfect director for his film. NarutoKishimoto said in a statement. “Having enjoyed his other films and understanding that his forte was creating powerful dramas about people, I became convinced that there was no other outlet for him.” Naturo. In fact, when I met Dustin, I also found him to be an open-minded director who was willing to take my input, and I felt strongly that we would be able to collaborate together on the production.

The adaptation has been in development with Lionsgate since late 2015 and Cretton’s ascension represents a major leap forward in bringing it to the screen.

“This classic manga is beloved by millions of fans around the world, and Destin has brought a vision for the film that we believe will excite the massive fan base as well as those new to film,” said Adam Fogelson, president of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. He. She. Avi and I have had the pleasure of working together before and I know that when we collaborate with Destin and the team Naruto“We are in extraordinary hands.”

Cretton previously collaborated with Lionsgate on the project Glass castle, the 2017 drama directed by and starring Brie Larson. The studio’s James Myers, who oversaw this project, will also supervise Narutoalong with CEO John Humphrey.

Creighton, who is considered a laureate In the short term 12 And Only mercy Among his credits, he is currently developing a sequel to Shang-chi. He directed several episodes last time American born Chinesea Disney+ adaptation of the graphic novel written by Gene Luen Yang that also executive produced.

He is repped by WME and Goodman Genow.