The live-action Naruto movie has taken a major step forward, with Charles Melton reportedly in final negotiations to play one of the franchise’s most recognizable characters.
The Riverdale and May December star is reportedly set to take on the role of Kakashi Hatake, the masked ninja who serves as the mentor of Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno.
The casting news comes after months of speculation about Melton’s next major franchise role. The actor had previously been linked to Marvel‘s upcoming X-Men reboot, with reports suggesting he was being considered for Hank McCoy, better known as Beast. His absence from Marvel’s recent casting announcement has now taken on a different meaning.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Melton is in final negotiations to join the live-action Naruto adaptation from Lionsgate. Destin Daniel Cretton, who is also behind Spider-Man: Brand New Day, is directing the film, while Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto is involved with the project.
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Charles Melton Is Reportedly Taking On Kakashi Hatake
Kakashi is one of the most important characters in the early Naruto story. Known as the “Copy Ninja,” he becomes the leader and teacher of Team 7, putting him directly alongside Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura as they begin their lives as shinobi.
The character is also known for his distinctive silver hair, face mask and Sharingan eye. His ability to copy techniques belonging to other ninja earned him his famous nickname, but his history is considerably more complicated than his laid-back personality initially suggests.
Kakashi’s past becomes increasingly important as the larger story unfolds, making the role one that could potentially extend well beyond the first movie.
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Melton’s casting would also give the actor an opportunity to take on a physically demanding action role. He has previously discussed his martial arts background and holds a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo. His recent work has also moved him beyond his earlier television roles, with his performance in May December earning significant critical attention.
The casting could also explain why Melton did not appear among the actors announced for Marvel’s X-Men film at D23. He had been widely rumored to play Beast, but there has been no official confirmation from Marvel that he was ever cast in the role or that he turned it down because of Naruto. For now, the two casting stories remain connected only by reporting and speculation.
The live-action Naruto movie is being developed by Lionsgate with Cretton writing and directing. Kishimoto has previously expressed support for Cretton’s involvement, while the production continues working toward bringing the world of the manga into live action.
There is still plenty left to reveal, particularly when it comes to the young members of Team 7. Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura have not yet been officially cast, and Lionsgate has not announced a release date for the movie.
If Melton’s deal is finalized, Kakashi would give the adaptation its first major piece of casting and provide a recognizable face around which the rest of Team 7 can be built. For fans who have spent years wondering what a live-action version of Naruto might look like, that makes the reported casting one of the project’s biggest developments yet.