Charles Melton's career is on a hot streak. After earning critical acclaim for his role in May December and scoring two Emmy nominations for his work on Netflix's Beef, the actor is now eyeing a major new franchise. Recent rumors linking him to Marvel's X-Men reboot turned out to be unfounded, but he's now in negotiations to join another highly anticipated comic adaptation—this time, a live-action take on the beloved manga and anime series Naruto.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Melton is in talks to play Kakashi Hatake in the film, which will be directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. Cretton, known for helming the MCU's Spider-Man: Brand New Day, is set to bring Masashi Kishimoto's iconic ninja saga to the big screen for Lionsgate. The project is still in early development, but Melton would be the first major cast member to join.
Who Is Kakashi Hatake?
Kakashi is one of the most beloved characters in the Naruto universe. He serves as the mentor to the titular hero and his teammates, initially appearing cold and aloof before revealing a warmer, more caring side. Known for his signature mask, silver hair, and laid-back attitude, Kakashi is a fan favorite, and casting Melton would bring a fresh energy to the role.
The film will follow Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who dreams of becoming the leader of his village, the Hidden Leaf. Unbeknownst to many, he carries within him the spirit of a nine-tailed fox demon, a burden that shapes his journey. The search is reportedly underway for a young actor to play the title character, suggesting the film may focus on Naruto's early years.
Melton's Rising Star
Melton has been making waves in Hollywood. Last year, he appeared in the ensemble war drama Warfare, and he's currently starring in Her Private Hell opposite Sophie Thatcher. That film, directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, is a dystopian thriller that, coincidentally, also involves fox spirits—though of the mythical kitsune variety rather than the nine-tailed beast of Naruto.
Next up, Melton is set to star in Saturn Return, a decade-spanning romance alongside Rachel Brosnahan and Will Poulter, which is slated for a Netflix release next year. His recent choices show a willingness to take on diverse and challenging roles, making him a fitting choice for the complex Kakashi.
What This Means for the Naruto Movie
With Melton in talks, the live-action Naruto adaptation is starting to take shape. The project has been in development for years, and fans are eager to see how Cretton will translate the sprawling story to the screen. While no release date has been announced, the involvement of a rising star like Melton is a promising sign.
For those unfamiliar with the source material, Naruto first debuted in 1999 and ran until 2014, becoming one of the best-selling manga series of all time. Its themes of perseverance, friendship, and redemption have resonated with audiences worldwide, making it a prime candidate for a live-action adaptation.
As always, stay tuned for more updates on this developing story. In the meantime, check out our coverage of other upcoming adaptations, including Marvel's X-Men cast and the latest horror franchise news.
