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More than 10 years have passed since then Lionsgate first secured the rights<\/a> to introduce the very popular manga franchise, Naruto<\/em>on the big screen. More than two years have passed since then<\/a> Shang-Chi<\/em> and Spider-Man: A New Day<\/em> director Destin Daniel Cretton has signed on to the project. But now that Cretton has finally finished his last film, the wait is over<\/a>. Naruto<\/em> officially on the way.<\/p>\n On Thursday, Cretan announced on social media that casting has begun for the franchise’s protagonists Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura, also known as Team 7. “Kishimoto-sensei’s stories have inspired generations of fans around the world, and it’s an honor to bring his world and characters to the big screen live for the first time,” he wrote<\/a>. “I am so excited to begin this global casting search for our Team 7 and bring the incredible Naruto universe to life!”<\/p>\n “Now miracles happen to me one after another” Naruto<\/em> creator Masashi Kishimoto said in a press release. “My work, Naruto<\/em>really, really becomes a Hollywood movie! And an even bigger miracle is that the film will be directed by the one and only Destin Daniel Cretton. I still can’t believe it! If so many miracles have already happened, let’s hope for even more. I look forward to the wonderful encounters that the extraordinary and passionate actors will bring us! Can’t wait to meet my characters in the movie!\u201d<\/p>\n Naruto<\/em> was first published in Weekly Shonen Jump<\/em> in 1999 and has steadily grown in popularity ever since with anime adaptations, video games, feature-length animated films, and more. But there has never been a big-budget Hollywood adaptation. Until now.<\/p>\n With the full effect of the casting, you can imagine it Naruto<\/em> probably looking at some 2027 production. Maybe then we’ll see it in theaters in 2028? But these are only assumptions. Who do you think should play the members of Team 7? Will it really work? Let us know below.<\/p>\n Want more io9 news? Check when to expect the latest Marvel<\/a>, Star Wars<\/a>and Star Trek<\/a> releases what’s next for The DC Universe in Movies and TV<\/a>and everything you need to know about the future Doctor Who<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote><\/div>\n\n