Japanese
manga is notoriously difficult to adapt into live-action feature films marketed
to general western audiences, and although they have tried it, western studios have
been unsuccessful to tap into the culture, mythology, vibrancy, and at times absurdity that make
manga stand out from other published materials.
Unfortunately,
this inability doesn't seem to bother American studios, whom despite their disgraceful
track record (The Guyver, Fist of the North Star, Oldboy, Dragonball:
Evolution) continue to push for more adaptations.
Regardless, according
to Variety, Lionsgate is in negotiations with Michael Gracey to direct a live-action
adaptation of Masashi Kishimoto's long running manga
series, Naruto, with The Amazing Spider-Man producer Avi Arad attached
to produce.
Coming from a
background in animation and effects, Gracey is also attached to a variety of other
projects including an adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The Witches, a Jim
Henson biopic titled Muppet Man, and a
P.T. Barnum musical titled The Greatest Showman on Earth.
Naruto
is a 15 year-old serialized manga series that follows the life of Naruto
Uzumaki, a young orphan ninja who through shear will and a dream of becoming
the leader of his village challenges the ninja world and its rules. Of course,
it being serialized means that the 15 year-old arc is filled with many
memorable and important characters, each with very distinct personalities and abilities, and as well as many significant marks that
could help bracket the adaptation.
As a fan i wish that they don't wash over the Japanese culture,
which permeates the material, cram too much into one movie, or deviate too far
away from the manga in attempt to please the home crowd.
Source
- Variety
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