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Over eight years after its first announcement, theNarutoLive Action movie has entered the beginning stages of its development. The script for the movie based on Masashi Kishimoto’s original manga will be written by Tasha Huo. While Kishimoto’s part in the live-action remains a mystery, it seems Lionsgate will follow in Netflix’s footsteps.
The success ofOne Piece Live-Actionhas resurged the interest in anime live-action genre. Written by Matt Owens and Steve Maeda, the two showrunners implemented multiple changes in the script when requested byOne Piecemangaka and co-producer of the live-action, Eiichiro Oda. Similar to OPLA, the success of theNarutoadaptation also depends on the faithfulness to the source.
Naruto Live Action Confirmed: 5 Stars That Can Play The Titular Role
In 2015, Lionsgate announced that a Western-styleNarutoLive Action movie was in the works. Michael Gracey was appointed as the director of the project but it never got to the screens. Gracey mentioned that he was working on the script with Masashi Kishimoto but adapting a hit manga spanning over 600 chapters in a single movie was a difficult task.
Also Read:8 Years Before One Piece, Masashi Kishimoto Teamed Up With Lionsgate for ‘Rocketman’ Director to Helm Naruto Live Action Movie – Why Did it Never Happen?
Fast-forward to 2023, rumors began to circulate about Tasha Huo being selected for scripting theNarutoLive Action. The news was confirmed by areport by Varietythat stated “Next up for the writer is “Naruto,” a feature adaptation of the iconic anime for Lionsgate.” Huo is also working on the adaptation of the comicRed Sonjaand is the showrunner of theTomb Raideranimated series on Netflix and Legendary.
Playing the role of an anime character in a live-action is a task in itself. The actor has to nail Naruto Uzumaki’s personality while naturally portraying the Hokage’s calm yet fearsome nature. Here are five actors who can play the titular protagonist inNarutoLive Action.
#1. Jacob Hopkins
The voice behind Code inBoruto: Next Generations, Jacob Hopkins understands the fan demands and anticipation for aNarutoLive Action. He is a huge fan of the franchise and can channel his enthusiasm to playing the character of Naruto Uzumaki. Despite being off the screen for years, Hopkins has voiced several characters, including Gumball and Axel Finke, and has vast knowledge about the animation industry.
#2. Dylan Sprouse
Having cosplayed the 7th Hokage and Trunks, Dylan Sprouse is yet another character who has publicly revealed his love forNaruto.In fact, he was believed to bebest suitedfor the role of Naruto Uzumaki when news about a live-action movie began circulating in 2015. Best known for his role as Zack Martin inThe Suite Life of Zack & Cody,Dylan has been away from the limelight since his main role as Travis Scott inBeautiful Disaster.
Also Read:Dylan Sprouse Shut Down 1 Joke on Disney Show After Finding It Disrespectful Toward his On-Screen Mother
#3. Kodai Matsuoka
Japan has had many Naruto Live Spectacles over the years. Actor Kodai Matsuoka has over two years of experience playing the character in a drama theatre and also starred in the 2017Live Spectacle Naruto: Song of the Akatsuki.Matsuoka is a perfect fit forNarutoLive Action because he has the experience as well as the acrobatic training to portray the character’s ninjutsu.
#4. Masaki Nakao
Masaki Nakao took over the role of Naruto Uzumaki from Kodai Matsuoka for the 2021 Live Spectacle. The stage production was a hit in Japan while Nakao was able to cope with the “physically and mentally demanding” movement as revealedduring an interview.Nakao has since been on the rise in the Japanese movie industry so the talented actor could be selected for a Hollywood breakthrough withNarutoLive Action, similar to Mackenyu from Netflix’sOne Piece.
#5. Tom Holland
Tom Holland is a fan-favorite option for the role of Naruto Uzumaki in the upcoming live-action. Taking his stellar roles as Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Nathan Drake inUncharted: The Movieas examples,Holland has been able to pull off multiple action-based characters, He can bring the same intensity and passion as the real-life 7th Hokage.
Also Read:The Matrix Directors the Wachowski Brothers are the Perfect Choice for Naruto Live Action: 5 Other Directors Who Can Do it Even Better
Spandan Chatterjee
Articles Published :165
Spandan Chatterjee is a Freelance Anime Writer at FandomWire.Spandan, who has been in the content industry for over two years, uses his passion for anime in his writing. He delivers the latest news, theories, and facts about various manga’s including Jujutsu Kaisen, One Piece, and Bleach.After completing his B.A. degree in English, Spandan is now pursuing a Masters degree in the same field.
