Charles Melton in Final Talks to Play Kakashi in Live-Action Naruto Film
The actor is reportedly nearing a deal to join Destin Daniel Cretton's high-profile adaptation for Lionsgate.
Actor Charles Melton is in final negotiations to portray the iconic mentor Kakashi Hatake in an upcoming live-action Naruto movie. The project marks a major step forward for the adaptation of one of the world's most popular manga franchises.
Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and produced for Lionsgate, the film is currently assembling its primary cast. While Melton's role as the masked shinobi is nearing completion, the production has launched a global casting search to find the actors who will embody the lead trio of Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura.
A Long-Awaited Adaptation
Bringing the world of shinobi to the big screen has been a complex journey. This current effort follows a previous attempt to launch a Naruto film in 2014, which involved director Michael Gracey but did not reach fruition. The current project benefits from the momentum of director Destin Daniel Cretton, who is coming off the massive success of 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day.'
Original creator Masashi Kishimoto has expressed significant enthusiasm regarding the Hollywood transition and Cretton's leadership on the project. "Right now, miracles are happening to me, one after another," Kishimoto stated, adding, "My work, Naruto, is truly, truly becoming a Hollywood movie!"
Industry Implications
The casting of Melton signals Lionsgate's intent to blend established acting talent with a wide-reaching search for new faces to play the younger leads. By pairing a proven director like Cretton—who has demonstrated an ability to handle large-scale, high-budget intellectual property—with a globally recognized brand, the studio is positioning the film as a cornerstone of its upcoming slate.
For the anime and manga community, the project represents one of the most high-profile attempts to translate the complex action and lore of the Naruto universe into a live-action cinematic experience. The success of the film could pave the way for further high-budget adaptations of similar shonen properties.
What to Watch
As the production moves forward, the industry is closely watching the results of the global casting call for the three protagonists. The search for Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura is critical, as the chemistry between these leads and their mentor, Kakashi, forms the emotional core of the series. While the core creative team is now in place, the final confirmation of Melton's contract and the announcement of the lead cast remain the next major milestones for the production.