Back in July, Lionsgate opened a worldwide casting call for Asian actors over 18 to play 16-year-old characters Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno. At the time, many fans assumed they would simply age up the characters from their 12-year-old ages in the original manga to 16. However, just two weeks ago, a second casting call went out for 13- to 15-year-old actors for both Naruto and Sakura specifically. So, it’s hard to determine how old the characters will be in this live-action adaptation until we learn more.
Now, we at Knight Edge Media can confirm that the film will be adapting Naruto’s “first mission” as a ninja based on the movie’s plot synopsis:
The Naruto story unfolds in a breathtaking alternate universe, where every child dreams of becoming a ninja. We follow Naruto Uzumaki, an exceptionally gifted but challenging new recruit, as he’s assigned to his first mission alongside reluctant teammates Sasuke and Sakura. The mission turns into something far more dangerous and sinister than anticipated, and Naruto is forced to confront his inner demons – including the literal demon that’s revealed to be the root of his own power.
The plot synopsis doesn’t specifically reveal what his first mission is for the live-action movie. In the manga and anime, his first mission was based on the “Land of Waves” arc. This arc features the villains Zabuza and his apprentice Haku. Many fans insist this arc is the easiest to adapt for live-action and our first step into this world. Production will begin early next year in the United Kingdom.
Naruto has no set release date