Sony Pictures is expanding its partnership with filmmaker Destin Daniel Cretton, director of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, after securing the international distribution rights to Lionsgate’s upcoming live-action adaptation of Naruto. The studio will also co-finance the highly anticipated project.
Lionsgate has officially greenlit the film, with Cretton attached to both write and direct the big-screen adaptation of Masashi Kishimoto’s globally successful manga series. Production is expected to begin in spring.
Under the agreement, Lionsgate will oversee the film’s development and production while handling its domestic distribution. Sony Pictures, meanwhile, will manage international distribution and contribute to the film’s financing.
The project brings one of the world’s most popular manga franchises to the big screen. Naruto has sold more than 250 million copies across over 60 countries and territories, evolving into a multibillion-dollar global franchise. Its anime adaptation has also reached audiences in more than 145 countries and territories.
Lionsgate has recently enjoyed major box-office success with Michael, which became the studio’s highest-grossing film of all time after earning more than $1 billion worldwide. Universal Pictures handled the film’s international distribution.
Original creator Masashi Kishimoto is reportedly closely involved in the live-action adaptation, adding another layer of anticipation for fans of the franchise.
The film will be produced by Avi Arad, Ari Arad and Emmy Yu for Arad Productions, alongside Destin Daniel Cretton and Jeyun Munford for Hisako.
With Lionsgate leading domestic distribution and Sony backing the project internationally, the live-action Naruto adaptation is shaping up to be a major global cinematic undertaking.
Leave a Reply