Despite numerous delays, the live-action adaptation of Naruto was already showing signs of being a doomed project. Recent reports from insiders have revealed that it is “a total disaster.”
Despite being a popular manga and anime series, Naruto is not the first to receive a live-action adaptation. Other beloved works such as Dragon Ball, Cowboy Bebop, and Death Note have also been adapted, but unfortunately, they were not well-received by critics or loyal fans.
One potential explanation for this phenomenon could be the treatment of the source material and its failure to capture its tone. This was particularly evident in Dragon Ball Evolution, widely regarded as one of the most poorly-made live-action adaptations of an anime. The movie completely altered the original premise to suit a Western audience, ultimately falling short of fans’ expectations set by the beloved manga and anime.
It has been reported by insiders that the Naruto live-action movie is set to join the growing list of failed anime live-action adaptations, proving to be even worse than predicted.
According to the report, the team behind the movie is completely unaware of the source material. The report states that the development of the movie is progressing without knowledge of the villains from the (series).
It goes without saying that fans are extremely disappointed, as they have eagerly anticipated this film for years. The announcement of a live-action adaptation of the beloved anime by Lionsgate in 2015 had fans overjoyed. At the time, Michael Gracey, the director of The Greatest Showman, was attached to direct, with Avi Arad as the producer.
Despite receiving the approval of Naruto’s creator Masashi Kishimoto, the production of the movie came to a halt. In an interview with Collider in 2018, director Gracey stated that he had no intention of ruining the beloved franchise until the script reached a level that he was truly enthusiastic about.
As there was no progress in the script, Gracey eventually departed from the project. However, nearly ten years later, in 2024, the Naruto live-action movie finally received an update after its initial announcement.
Lionsgate enlisted Destin Daniel Cretton to lead the long-awaited project. Cretton has experience directing a project with elaborate production and a mystical environment, having recently helmed MCU’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings in 2021.
Despite the potential boost from the team’s newest member, it is possible that their efforts may have been in vain. It is hoped that there will be further developments on the project in the near future.
The possibility of the live-action movie adaptation of Naruto being released in theaters remains uncertain.
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