'Naruto' launches global casting search for live-action film leads

The live-action "Naruto" film is moving forward at Lionsgate!

"Spider-Man: Brand New Day" director Destin Daniel Cretton has officially launched a global casting search for the three young shinobi of Team 7: Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura.

Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of "Naruto," expressed delight over his work becoming a Hollywood movie.

"I still cannot believe it! If so many miracles have already come together, then let us hope for even more. I am eagerly looking forward to the miraculous encounters that will bring us extraordinary and passionate actors! I cannot wait to meet my characters in the film!" he said in a statement.

Cretton said it's an honor to bring Kishimoto's world and characters to the big screen in live action for the very first time.

"I'm thrilled to kick off this worldwide casting search for our Team 7 and to bring the incredible universe of 'Naruto' to life," he said.

The "Naruto" live-action film was first reported in 2024.

Kishimoto's "Naruto," which was serialized from 1999 to 2014, was adapted to anime in 2002.

The story centers on Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who has the spirit of a nine-tailed demon fox inside him, in his quest to become the leader of his village. —JCB, GMA News