A live-action Naruto film seems poised for release after years of development turmoil. Director Destin Daniel Cretton is attached to Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, leaving many wondering if his experience will translate effectively to a complex manga/anime adaptation, sparking concerns about his ability to navigate this challenging transition. The film’s creator is attempting to reassure his fans.
Recently, Leisure Weekly interviewed Tasha Huo, the showrunner for Netflix’s upcoming animated series, Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft. Not surprisingly, they attempted to glean any insight into the popular franchise, Naruto. To everyone’s surprise, including her own, she delivered a candid assessment of how they had managed to assemble the film thus far.
Given Cretton’s ascension to Hollywood’s elite following Shang-Chi’s commercial success in 2021, just as the pandemic’s worst effects were subsiding, his distinctive body of work is extensive, with him also finding time to create shorts and TV series after his Marvel film gained a following. Huo extolled the virtues of his craft, remarking that his personal writing and storytelling are “painstakingly private” and relatable to audiences prior to hinting at the underlying concept behind the Naruto film: “This is undoubtedly a movie that approaches its subject matter from a deep-seated love for who Naruto is, as well as his relationships with others.”
While Marvel’s cinematic universe thrills with action-packed sequences and mythological depth, a significant aspect of Shang-Chi’s appeal lies in the poignant family dynamics between protagonist Wong and Xu Wenwu, aka The Mandarin; a strong emotional bond that ties everything together, a narrative thread expertly woven by the creatives behind Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, unlike several other Marvel films that failed to grasp this crucial element.
“After enjoying the diverse range of films he’s directed, I was left convinced that his true strength lies in crafting compelling dramas that explore the human condition, so it came as no surprise that [Naruto] is his masterpiece.” During his time in Assembly Destiny, I found myself working with a forward-thinking director who actively sought input from me and was willing to collaborate throughout the production process; this openness allowed us to build a strong foundation for our partnership, as expressed by Huo. As a result of Cretton’s association with Naruto as author, it appears the script has undergone significant changes, allowing him to feel entirely comfortable with the final product before moving into active pre-production. This willingness to adapt and incorporate input from the original author is an encouraging sign, especially given the complexities involved in this production.
Despite these concerns, there remain numerous potential pitfalls that could arise from a high-stakes anime adaptation project at Lionsgate. Netflix’s One Piece collection showed promise, but theatrical films are a distinct challenge. Hopefully, Cretton will fare better navigating this terrain, having had a smoother ride with the now-canceled Avengers: The Kang Dynasty.