Charles Melton in Talks to Play Villain Kakashi in Naruto Movie
Get the Culture newsletter
Daily culture — film, music, books, the trends and ideas worth your attention. Free.
- Charles Melton is in close talks to play the villain Kakashi Hatake in Destin Daniel Cretton's upcoming live-action 'Naruto' movie for Lionsgate.
- Kakashi Hatake is being cast as the film's antagonist — the first major role locked in for the live-action Naruto adaptation from Lionsgate.
- Charles Melton earned a recent Emmy nomination for his role in Netflix's 'Beef,' which co-starred Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, and Cailee Spaeny.
- Destin Daniel Cretton is attached to direct the 'Naruto' film, coming off directing duties on the box office smash 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day.'
- Lionsgate is producing the live-action Naruto adaptation; Variety reached out to the studio for comment but had not received a response as of publication.
Why it matters: This pairs a freshly Emmy-nominated lead with a director coming off a major Sony box office hit, giving Lionsgate's Naruto adaptation serious talent pedigree before any deal is signed. Casting the character Kakashi in the villain role — rather than introducing a new antagonist — reveals Lionsgate's specific creative direction for the live-action franchise.
Ask SkimNews
