The Live-Action Naruto Movie Just Delivered Its Most Important Update From Its Screenwriter

Even though it was announced back in 2015, Naruto’s The long-awaited live-action film from Lionsgate is still in the works, with key contributors to the project still keeping the fire burning. As Naruto’s an extremely ambitious and visually demanding manga to adapt, it demands the attention of a renowned director and, of course, a key writer for the script.

Such is the case with Tasha Huo, showrunner of Amazon Prime Video Mighty Nein and co-author on Naruto film as of November 27, 2023. Huo faced the daunting task of adapting a rich and engrossing manga into live action which, while successfully done in belongs to One Piece this case, has been subjected to serious skepticism after many useless actions.

Despite this, Huo remains unfazed, as confirmed in an interview on November 20, 2025 Nexus Point News. Meanwhile, the discussion is divided between the topics of his work Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft, the Mighty Nein, And Naruto, Huo was able to talk about his work on the project, for which he has completed the script.

Live-Action Naruto Screenwriter Reflects on Adaptation Process of Hit Manga

When asked about the finished manuscript Naruto’s live action film he co-wrote with co-writer and Spider-Man: A New Day director Destin Daniel Cretton’s Huo discusses the understandable challenges of adapting a manga for the silver screen.

Citing the need to create a grounded feel with authenticity to adapt it to live-action, Huo reflected on it Naruto’s challenge. “For Narutoit’s to ground it, making it feel real and believable in the world of live-action films. When you watch or read it, it’s so crazy. It was very nice, but it was very crazy.”

Modern Animated Naruto Proves We Don’t Need a Remake

There’s been talk of a Naruto remake for years, but Studio Parriot’s tease of modern animation proves exactly why this project isn’t necessary.

Huo mused further, saying, “Rules that you take for granted because of the medium you watch them in, but once you translate them to real people saying real dialogue and needing to convey a real plot.” Huo concluded his reflection, stating, “Yes, that was the challenge, but also the joy because it was so much fun.”

Huo has proven to show concern for established indigenous communities in this case grave robber, Critical Role Dungeons & Dragons campaign, and the legendary Shonen Jump manga by Masashi Kishimoto, Naruto. In the months following this interview, with a script for Naruto cited as complete, fans were left waiting an undetermined time for release.

Live-Action Naruto Director Kishimoto Praised as “Perfect Choice”

Even though two years have passed since then Hollywood Reporter discussing Cretton joining as director (with Kishimoto’s support) following the departure of Michael Gracey, he remains an encouraging directorial choice. Proven to handle high-concept, martial arts-filled and fantastical fights in 2021 Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Cretton even got written approval from Kishimoto.

“When I heard of Destin’s attachment, it was right after seeing his blockbuster action film, and I thought he would be the perfect director for it. Naruto. After enjoying his other films and understanding that his forte was creating solid human dramas, I became convinced that there was no other director like him. Naruto. When I met Destin, I also discovered that he was an open-minded director who was willing to accept my input, and was very confident that we could work together on the production process.”

-Masashi Kishimoto

Getting approval from the creators of a series is always an exciting thing, especially since Kishimoto was brought on to co-develop it Naruto film in 2016. This proves the mutual respect between Kishimoto and Cretton, as well as Cretton and Huo for the property they own. Despite some other updates, a complete script and love for the franchise are still key steps.

First Episode Air Date: October 3, 2002
Cast: Junko Takeuchi, Maile Flanagan, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura, Kazuhiko Inoue, Nana Mizuki, Hideo Ishikawa, Yûko Sanpei