Shang Chi director Daniel Destin Cretton to work on Naruto Live Action Film

First announced nearly a decade ago, Lionsgate has confirmed that Marvel’s Shang Chi director, Daniel Destin Cretton, will be helming the venture as director, with production now well underway.

Possibly spurred into action by the overwhelmingly positive response to Netflix’s One Piece adaptation, the studio now seems keen to join the Shonen bandwagon and plant their own flag in the genre.

The Greatest Showman director Michael Gracey was originally in the director’s chair, with script duties to be provided by Tasha Huo. Both are now out of the project.

Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto seemed delighted by the development, posting in a separate announcement “When I heard of Destin’s attachment, it happened to be right after watching a blockbuster action film of his, and I thought he would be the perfect director for Naruto.”

“After enjoying his other films and understanding that his forte is in creating solid dramas about people, I became convinced that there is no other director for Naruto. In actually meeting Destin, I also found him to be an open-minded director who was willing to embrace my input, and felt strongly that we would be able to cooperate together in the production process.”

Production will be handled by Avi Arad’s company, Arad Productions, with Lionsgate distributing.

Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson released the following: “This manga classic is beloved by millions of fans all around the world, and Destin has delivered a vision for the movie that we believe will excite that massive fan base as well as those who are new to it. Avi and I have had the pleasure of working together before and I know that as we collaborate with Destin and the team on Naruto,” he added, “we are in extraordinary hands”.

Given the length of the manga, it seems likely that the planned film will be the first in a series, though no further information regarding plot, characters or casting have been announced at this point.