Naruto

It's not only Disney that's making live-action features out of older animated productions.

Another beloved manga is about to find a new life on the silver screen, as sources confirm that Lionsgate is moving forward with an adaptation of the mega-popular NARUTO, with emerging helmer Michael Gracey in line to direct.

The studio recently closed the rights to the Japanese series written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto, which follows Naruto Uzumaki, an adolescent ninja who dreams of one day becoming the Hokage, the village ninja who serves as protector and leader, considered strongest of them all.

Prolific producer Avi Arad, a self-described fan of the series, will produce via his shingle Arad Productions, while Erik Feig, Geoff Shaveitz, and Kelly O’Malley will oversee for the studio. ...

Popular books and TV shows beget big-screen movies. Hollywood went through a long stretch of adapting live-action television dramas and sitcoms (Bewistched, The Fugitive, Charlie's Angels, Maveric etc.) Now the studios have moved on to remaking animation in live-action formats.

If this activity increases the demand for more acrtoons, we're for it.