In the vast landscape of entertainment, where video games, comics, and novels have become fertile ground for live-action remakes, the spotlight is now on the beloved Japanese manga/anime series, Naruto. Despite years of anticipation and a planned adaptation at Lionsgate, updates on production have been scarce—until now. The latest development brings Tasha Huo on board as the screenwriter for the highly anticipated live-action film.

Masashi Kishimoto’s iconic manga, which debuted in 1999, quickly became a global phenomenon, earning itself an anime adaptation that further expanded its fanbase. Now, the challenge lies in bringing Naruto’s epic tale to life on the big screen, and Lionsgate aims to do just that with Tasha Huo at the helm. With a track record in lore-based adaptations, including upcoming projects like Red Sonja and an animated Tomb Raider series based on video games, Huo is well-equipped for the task.

Naruto’s narrative revolves around Uzumaki Naruto, a young ninja with dreams of becoming the Seventh Hokage. Infused with the nine-tailed fox as an infant, Naruto embarks on a journey that spans the Leaf Village Academy, chunin exams, and beyond. The manga’s global acclaim positions it as one of the greatest anime series of all time.

Huo, undeterred by the enormity of the task, expresses enthusiasm for adapting such iconic characters, stating, “Adapting iconic characters or IP makes the writing of it easier because the passion for writing it is already there. I’m so inspired by these characters already that it’s exciting to just take a part of their journey and try to tell that fun story in a way that would appeal to me as a fan.”

As the live-action adaptation navigates the challenges of bringing Naruto to a new dimension, it looks toward the success of Netflix’s ‘One Piece’ for inspiration—a series that not only excelled upon release but earned a second season renewal. With both manga boasting extensive chapters and a focus on adventure and thrilling action, the journey of ‘Naruto’ to the big screen holds immense promise for fans worldwide.