Charles Melton in Final Talks to Play Kakashi in Lionsgate’s Live-Action Naruto
Charles Melton is in final negotiations to join Lionsgate’s highly anticipated live-action Naruto movie, with the Emmy-nominated actor reportedly being considered for the role of Kakashi Hatake, one of the most recognizable characters in the franchise.
The casting development was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter and subsequently confirmed by Variety, making Melton the first major actor publicly linked to a specific role in the long-awaited adaptation. Lionsgate has not yet officially announced a casting deal.
The film is being directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, who recently directed Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and is being developed with involvement from Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto.
Charles Melton Eyes the Role of Kakashi
Melton is reportedly being considered for Kakashi Hatake, the elite ninja who serves as the mentor of Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno.
Kakashi is one of the most popular characters in Masashi Kishimoto’s original manga and its anime adaptations. Known for his distinctive mask, silver hair and Sharingan eye, the character becomes an important mentor figure for the young members of Team 7.
If the deal closes, Melton would become the first major actor attached to a specific role in Lionsgate’s live-action adaptation.
From Riverdale to Beef
Melton became widely known for playing Reggie Mantle on Riverdale, but his career has increasingly moved toward more prominent film and television roles.
His performance in Netflix’s Beef earned him an Emmy nomination, while his work in Todd Haynes’ May December further established him as a serious dramatic performer.
The potential Naruto role would give Melton the opportunity to enter another major global franchise while taking on a character with a huge existing fanbase.
Destin Daniel Cretton Directs
The live-action Naruto movie is being directed by Destin Daniel Cretton.
Cretton recently directed Spider-Man: Brand New Day and previously directed Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.
His involvement has given the Naruto adaptation additional Hollywood credibility as Lionsgate attempts to translate one of Japan’s biggest manga and anime properties into a live-action theatrical film.
Cretton is also producing the movie alongside Jeyun Munford through his production company Hisako. Avi Arad, Ari Arad and Emmy Yu are producing through Arad Productions.
Masashi Kishimoto Remains Involved
The film is based on Kishimoto’s original Naruto manga, which ran from 1999 through 2014.
Kishimoto has remained involved with the live-action adaptation, providing an important connection between the new movie and the original source material.
The manga became a worldwide phenomenon, selling more than 250 million copies and spawning anime series, animated movies, video games and a massive merchandising business.
Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura Are Still Being Cast
While Melton is reportedly in negotiations for Kakashi, Lionsgate has not yet filled the three central teenage roles.
The studio has launched a worldwide search for actors to portray Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno, the three young members of Team 7.
That means the casting process remains at an early stage, with the studio looking for performers capable of carrying the central roles of the live-action franchise.
The decision to cast an established actor such as Melton as Kakashi could provide the younger cast with an experienced Hollywood performer in one of the movie’s key supporting roles.
A Major Test for Live-Action Anime Adaptations
The Naruto movie represents another major attempt by Hollywood to successfully adapt a globally popular Japanese manga and anime franchise into live action.
The project arrives during a period when anime and manga properties have become increasingly influential internationally.
Successful adaptations such as Netflix’s One Piece have demonstrated that audiences can embrace live-action versions of Japanese properties when filmmakers maintain a strong connection to their source material.
For Lionsgate, Naruto represents an opportunity to build another major theatrical franchise.
Production Plans
The movie remains in development, and Lionsgate has not announced an official release date.
Reports indicate that production is targeting early 2027, although the schedule could change as casting and pre-production continue.
With the search for Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura still underway, additional casting announcements are expected as the project moves closer to filming.
Why Charles Melton’s Casting Matters
The potential casting of Melton is significant because Kakashi is not simply a supporting character.
He is one of the central adult figures in the early Naruto story and serves as the teacher and leader of Team 7.
The character also has an extensive personal history that becomes increasingly important as the story develops.
Melton’s dramatic background could therefore allow the film to explore both Kakashi’s lighter personality and the character’s more serious history.
Lionsgate’s Big Anime Bet
Lionsgate has been developing the live-action Naruto movie for years, making the project one of Hollywood’s more closely watched attempts to adapt a major anime property for the big screen.
Bringing in Cretton and potentially Melton gives the production recognizable Hollywood talent while Kishimoto’s involvement provides a direct connection to the original manga.
The next major challenge will be finding the actors who can bring Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura to life.
Looking Ahead
Charles Melton is in final negotiations to play Kakashi Hatake in Lionsgate’s live-action Naruto movie, according to The Hollywood Reporter, with Variety also reporting that the actor is in close talks for the role.
The deal has not yet been officially announced by Lionsgate, so the casting should be described as in negotiations rather than confirmed.
If finalized, Melton would become the first major actor attached to a named role in the movie, joining director Destin Daniel Cretton as the adaptation continues its worldwide search for the actors who will portray Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura.
