Beloved Manga fans will soon see "Naruto" in Hollywood as Lionsgate has reportedly acquired the license for a live action adaptation of the popular comic character. A source, who has spoken with The Tracking Board on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Lionsgate has everything planned out for this blockbuster project.
The adaptation to the silver screen is only right as "Naruto" has achieved the third spot among the roster of the highest-selling manga in history in 2014. The manga series first hit publication in 1999.
"Naruto" was also able to capture the hearts of not just the avid manga readers. Its charm has transcended among the couch potatoes, children and adults alike, when it was adapted into an anime series in the 2000s, airing via Cartoon Netwrok, Hulu and Disney XD. The series had given birth to ten feature films subsequently.
Lionsgate's live-action adaptation is expected to still follow the same characterization of "Naruto" as popularized by writer and illustrator Masashi Kishimoto. It will follow the journey of Naruto as a young mischievous boy passionate about becoming the protector and leader of his village, known as the powerful Hokage. The twist is still expected to revolve around the mystical fox creature, the Nine-Tails, which had always been inside Naruto's body since he was born.
The challenging task of directing the film is given to Michael Gracey. According to Tracking Board, Gracey had started his career in films by doing visual effects and animation. He eventually translated into directing and is currently doing the adaptation of Roald Dahl's "The Witches" for Warner Bros. He is also directing the Jim Henson biopic, titled "Muppet Man," and Elton John's biopic, titled "Rocketman."
But Gracey's biggest work to date will be the musical about P.T. Barnum, titled "The Greatest Showman On Earth," with lead actor Hugh Jackman. The said film is set for release on December 2016, Screen Rant reported. Gracey will also be overseeing the script development according to Screen Rant. Roughly estimated, the Naruto live-action film will hit the big screen by 2020.
Lionsgate is said to have tapped producer Avi Arad of Arad Productions for the project. Erick Feig, Geoff Shaveitz and Kelly O'Malley will supervise the production.
Meanwhile, IGN is reporting that as far as Lionsgate is concerned, nothing is finalized yet. In this case, Naruto fans will just have to suit themselves with Viz Media's "Boruto: Naruto the Movie" to be released on Oct. 10. It will be shown in 80 theaters, including those in New York, San Diego, San Franciso, Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles and Seattle.
