The highly anticipated live-action adaptation of the iconic anime series Naruto has reportedly hit a major setback, with insiders describing it as “a complete disaster.” This news follows a series of delays that had already cast doubt on the project’s success.
Naruto joins a troubled lineage of anime-to-live-action adaptations that includes infamous failures such as Dragon Ball Evolution, Cowboy Bebop, and Death Note. These adaptations often struggled with capturing the essence of their source material, leading to critical and fan disappointment. Dragon Ball Evolution, in particular, is frequently cited as one of the worst examples, largely due to its significant deviation from the original manga’s tone and storyline.
Recent insider reports suggest that the Naruto live-action film may surpass these predecessors in its failings. Sources have indicated that the team behind the film appears to be unfamiliar with key aspects of the original series. “It’s so bad that those working on the movie don’t even know who the villains of the series are, yet they’re developing the movie,” the report states.
This revelation is particularly disheartening for fans who have eagerly awaited the film since its announcement. When Lionsgate revealed plans for a live-action Naruto movie in 2015, the news was met with excitement. At that time, Michael Gracey, known for The Greatest Showman, was set to direct, with Avi Arad producing. The project had also received approval from Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto.
However, the film’s development has faced numerous obstacles. In 2018, Gracey expressed concerns about the script’s quality, stating, “Until that script is at a level that I’m excited about, I have no interest in destroying an amazing franchise.”
As the project continues to grapple with its issues, fans and critics alike remain wary of its potential to redeem itself or add to the growing list of disappointing anime live-action adaptations.