Charles Melton in Final Negotiations for Naruto Live-Action

Riverdale and Beef star Charles Melton is reportedly in final negotiations to play a key role in the upcoming live-action Naruto film.

Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton (Spider-Man: Brand New Day), Lionsgate’s Naruto will be based on Masashi Kishimoto’s hugely popular Japanese manga series of the same name. The story follows Naruto Uzumaki, a young and eager shinobi who dreams of becoming the leader of his village. However, he carries a dangerous secret: the spirit of a powerful demon hides within him.

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According to The Hollywood Reporter, Melton is rumoured to be playing Kakashi Hatake, an elite ninja who serves as a skilled teacher and mentor to Naruto and his friends. The search is still running to see who will play the film’s titular character

The news comes following speculation that Melton was set to join the cast of the upcoming X-Men reboot as Beast, following last week’s D23 convention, The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. If confirmed, Melton would become the first reported cast member attached to the adaptation, with the rest of the cast yet to be revealed, including the actor set to play Naruto himself.

Naruto’s live-action adaptation was first announced in 2015, after Lionsgate Films secured the rights from Masashi Kishimoto.

Production is reportedly aiming to begin in February 2027.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter