Charles Melton is in close talks to play Kakashi Hatake in Destin Daniel Cretton’s upcoming live-action “Naruto” movie, Variety has learned.
\n\nThe news comes amid speculation that Melton would be announced to join the “X-Men” cast at last week’s D23 convention. The global “Naruto” casting search began last month to find the live-action versions of Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura. The manga and popular anime series follow adolescent ninja Naruto, who dreams of becoming his community’s protector and leader known as the village ninja.
\n\nVariety has reached out to Lionsgate for comment.
\n\nMelton was recently Emmy-nominated for his role in Netflix’s “Beef” Season 2 alongside Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan and Cailee Spaeny. He received critical acclaim for his work in Todd Haynes’ “May December,” which released in 2023, and is also known for starring in “Her Private Hell,” “Warfare” and “Riverdale.”
\n\nCretton is coming off of his box-office smash hit “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” which has grossed over $800 million domestically, becoming the fastest film to ever hit the milestone.
\n\nThe “Naruto” director got his start working in the indie film space with “Short Term 12,” which released in 2013 and starred Brie Larson, LaKeith Stanfield, Rami Malek and Kaitlyn Dever.
Original source: https://variety.com/