Full Breakdown
Charles Melton Nears Casting as Kakashi in Live-Action “Naruto” Film
8/21/2026, 12:10:39 AM
Core Event
Charles Melton, recently Emmy-nominated for his role in Netflix’s *Beef*, is in final negotiations to portray Kakashi Hatake in Destin Daniel Cretton’s upcoming live-action adaptation of Masashi Kishimoto’s *Naruto* manga. The casting marks the first confirmed major role for the project, which is being produced by Lionsgate.
Background & Context
*Naruto* was serialized in Japan’s *Weekly Shonen Jump* from 1999 to 2014 and has sold more than 250 million copies worldwide, establishing it as one of the most popular manga properties. Lionsgate has held the film rights since 2015, and the adaptation has endured a lengthy development period, including an abandoned 2014 effort with Michael Gracey attached as director. In 2024 the studio launched a “worldwide casting search” to fill the core Team 7 roles—Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and their mentor Kakashi.
Destin Daniel Cretton, whose recent directorial success includes *Spider-Man: Brand New Day* (over $2 billion global box office, per The Hollywood Reporter) and Marvel’s *Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings*, was confirmed as writer-director for the *Naruto* film. Production is slated to begin around February 2027, giving the casting team several months to finalize the remaining leads.
Timeline
- 2015 – Lionsgate acquires rights to the *Naruto* manga.
- 2014 – Initial attempt to launch a film with Michael Gracey as director.
- 2024 – Cretton officially attached as writer-director; worldwide casting search launched.
- Early 2025 – Charles Melton enters final talks to play Kakashi.
- February 2027 (planned) – Production start for the live-action film.
Data & Statistics
- Box office: *Spider-Man: Brand New Day* has grossed over $2 billion worldwide (The Hollywood Reporter) and more than $800 million domestically.
- Melton’s accolades: Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for *Beef* Season 2.
- Martial-arts credentials: Melton holds a second-degree black belt in taekwondo and competed in the Junior Olympics in Seoul, South Korea.
- Production team: Producers Avi Arad, Ari Arad, and Emmy Yu (Arad Productions) with Jeremy Latcham; Cretton co-produces with Jeyun Munford through Hisako.
Why It Matters
Adapting *Naruto*—a franchise with a massive global fanbase—carries significant commercial and cultural stakes. Securing a recognizable actor with martial-arts experience for the pivotal mentor role signals Lionsgate’s intent to deliver a high-profile, franchise-ready film. Successful execution could open the door to a series of live-action adaptations, while also testing the industry’s ability to translate a beloved anime property for mainstream audiences.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the financial performance of Cretton’s previous film: The Hollywood Reporter cites a $2 billion global total, whereas Variety reports $800 million domestic earnings. Both figures are presented without contradiction, reflecting different market scopes. No official comment from Lionsgate or the production team has been released regarding Melton’s casting or the film’s budget, leaving those details unconfirmed.
What’s Next
The casting search for the remaining Team 7 members—Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura—continues, with Lionsgate expected to announce additional leads in the coming months. Production is planned to commence in early 2027, after which further details on the film’s schedule, marketing strategy, and distribution will likely be disclosed.
