Spider-Man: Brand New Day director’s live-action Naruto movie has added Charles Melton in a crucial role. The awaited film adaptation of the iconic Shonen manga and anime is expected to begin shooting next year.

The live-action Naruto movie will be helmed by Brand New Day’s Destin Daniel Cretton. According to a report from The Hollywood Reporter, Charles Melton, who recently received an Emmy nomination for his performance in Netflix TV show Beef, is now part of the project. He will play Kakashi Hatake, a popular character and an elite ninja mentor to Naruto Uzumaki.

The project comes from Lionsgate, which officially brought on Cretton two years ago to write and direct the feature adaptation of Masashi Kishimoto’s beloved manga franchise.

What else do we know about Destin Daniel Cretton’s Naruto movie?

The live-action Naruto movie has yet to cast its lead trio. The search is still underway to find young actors to portray Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura.

The Naruto movie will focus on a coming-of-age story, revolving around Naruto Uzumaki, a young and enthusiastic ninja. He dreams of becoming the leader of his ninja village but also possesses the spirit of a nine-tailed demon fox inside him. The series was originally serialized in Japan’s Weekly Shonen Jump from 1999 to 2014. Later, it expanded into various animated series on Cartoon Network and Disney XD.

The film is produced by Avi Arad, Ari Arad, and Emmy Yu alongside Jeremy Latcham, with Cretton also serving as a producer alongside Jeyun Munford.

Besides the latest MCU blockbuster Spider-Man: No Way Home, which has grossed over $2 billion globally, the filmmaker is also known for directing 2021’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. He also made 2019’s thriller drama Just Mercy, featuring Michael B. Jordan, and 2013’s Short Term 12, led by Brie Larson.

The live-action Naruto movie is targeting a theatrical release in 2028.