Naruto Live-Action Will Reportedly Make Major Lore Changes

The upcoming Naruto live-action movie is reportedly taking a different approach to the manga’s lore while keeping its opening storyline largely intact. According to industry insider Daniel Richtman, the film will adapt the first arc, with Naruto: Mission to the Land of Waves being considered as a possible title.

Lionsgate has not confirmed the reported details.

Destin Daniel Cretton, known for directing Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, is writing and directing the film. Casting for the younger Team 7 began in July 2026 with Masashi Kishimoto’s endorsement.

Charles Melton, known for Riverdale and May December, is reportedly attached to play Kakashi Hatake, with filming expected in the first half of 2027.

Richtman’s report follows his recent claim that Sony is developing a Kaiju No. 8 adaptation. He has also previously reported details about a new Star Wars movie and Exorcist: Martyrs.

How is Naruto Live-Action Reworking Team 7?

Richtman reports that Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura will be 12 to 13 years old, matching their ages in the manga. The adaptation is described as quite faithful, although several character and lore changes are reportedly planned.

The reported changes include:

• Naruto is described as a ninja history nerd and will not have romantic feelings for Sakura, while Sasuke reportedly does.
• The film will reportedly establish that becoming a Jinchuriki is tied to a person’s bloodline, limiting who can have a Tailed Beast sealed inside them.
• Sakura reportedly comes from a wealthy family. Her father dies during Kurama’s attack, while her mother is described as a wealthy snob.
• Sakura will reportedly have her abilities unlocked from the beginning and receive a more prominent role.

Richtman also claims the film is being planned as the beginning of a larger movie series if successful. The original Naruto story could span three films, followed by four to five films covering Naruto Shippuden, potentially resulting in seven to eight movies.

The reported expansion of Sakura’s family background also connects with comments Masashi Kishimoto made during a Konoha Experience event in Paris, France, in August 2024. He said he regretted not exploring Sakura’s family earlier, noting that her parents were the only major character parents he had not drawn.

Kishimoto has further praised Cretton as the “perfect director” for Naruto, citing his strength in creating character-driven drama and saying their meeting convinced him they could work well together.

Could Naruto’s Lore Changes Alienate Longtime Fans?

The largest reported change involves Jinchuriki.

The movie will allegedly establish that only people from a specific bloodline can contain a Tailed Beast. Naruto inherits this ability from his mother, who is dying after Kurama’s attack, leaving him as the only person capable of containing the Nine-Tails.

For Naruto fans, the reported changes could be concerning if they significantly alter the story’s established lore and the emotional connections built around Naruto’s origins. As one of the “Big Three” alongside One Piece and Bleach, the franchise has a long-standing connection with its original story, making any major rewrite likely to face scrutiny.

Netflix’s One Piece also made changes to its source material while introducing the franchise to a wider audience. If Cretton’s adaptation can balance its changes with the core elements that define Naruto, the live-action film could still bring new viewers to the anime and manga rather than hurt the franchise.