Charles Melton in Talks to Play Kakashi in 'Naruto' Live-Action

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Lionsgate has reportedly approached actor Charles Melton to play Kakashi Hatake in the live-action "Naruto" film, as the project, which adapts the popular Japanese manga and anime, enters the casting stage.

According to Variety on Thursday, August 20, Melton is reportedly being considered for the role of Kakashi Hatake, a senior ninja who mentors Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno. Variety has reached out to Lionsgate for an official response to the reported approach to Melton.

Melton has become a highly acclaimed actor after earning an Emmy nomination for his performance in the second season of the series "Beef." He also earned critical acclaim for his performance in the film "May December."

The project is being helmed by director Destin Daniel Cretton, who previously directed "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" and "Spider-Man: Brand New Day."

In addition to directing, Cretton is also involved in the Naruto project as a producer, alongside Jeyun Munford through his company Hisako, as well as Avi Arad, Ari Arad, Emmy Yu of Arad Productions, and Jeremy Latcham.

Since last month, the production team has also been conducting a global casting search for the story's three main characters: Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura. The auditions were aimed at finding actors who could capture the roles of teenagers with diverse personalities and backgrounds.

Naruto is described as a passionate and stubborn teenage ninja, yet possessing a kind heart and aspiration to become the protector and leader of his village's ninja community.

For the character of Sasuke, known as a genius, cold, and aloof, the production team is reportedly targeting actors of Asian or Asian-American descent. Similar racial criteria were applied to the character of Sakura, who is portrayed as both intelligent and emotional.

The live-action "Naruto" film will adapt the story by Masashi Kishimoto, which was first published as a manga in 1999 and has since evolved into one of the most globally recognized Japanese anime franchises.

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