Sony and Lionsgate Team up For Naruto Movie, Filming to Begin in Spring 2027
Sony Pictures and Lionsgate have officially partnered to develop a live-action adaptation of the popular anime series Naruto. The collaboration marks another significant venture between the two studios in bringing beloved franchises to live-action formats.
Director Destin Daniel Cretton, known for his recent success with Sony’s latest Spider-Man film and his earlier work on Short Term 12, is helming the project. The partnership structure divides responsibilities between the two studios: Lionsgate will oversee production and handle domestic distribution in the United States, while Sony Pictures will manage international distribution and co-financing efforts.
The greenlight comes after a competitive bidding process, with multiple studios vying for the rights to adapt the beloved anime series. Sony’s involvement was partly attributed to its extensive experience with anime and manga properties, notably through its ownership of Crunchyroll, a leading anime streaming platform. This expertise positions Sony well to support the adaptation’s development.
Production is scheduled to commence in spring 2027, marking the beginning of a significant undertaking to translate the anime’s distinctive visual style, complex character dynamics, and action sequences into live-action cinema. The project builds on the successful partnership between Cretton and Sony, which recently garnered significant box office success with the latest Spider-Man: Brand New Day installment.