Summary
Every detail counts when it comes to the live-actionNarutomovie, and I already know exactly how the upcoming film should start. The long-awaited movie based on the beloved anime has been in development for what seems like forever, and this has only raised the anticipation. Hollywood magic has come a long way in just the last decade, so the possibilities for theNarutomovie are even more exciting.The opening sequence has the opportunity to really set the tone for the entire film, and I know just the moment from theNarutoanime and manga that Lionsgate should use.
We may still have a long way to go before thelive-actionNarutofinally hits screens, but the project should be entirely worth it.Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings' Destin Daniel Cretton is officially onboard to write and direct, and while there is promise to this news,the live-actionNarutois still in the early stages of production. This could mean that Lionsgate is taking its time, hopefully indicating that the upcoming film will be as visually stunning as other recent anime-adaptation success stories. We will just have to wait and see, but everything should be clear from the very first scene.
8 Things Naruto’s Live-Action Movie Shouldn’t Adapt From The Anime & Manga
The Naruto movie should remain as faithful as possible to the source material, but some aspects of Kishimoto’s iconic manga might have to be changed.
The Naruto Movie Has To Start With The Nine-Tails Attack, Right?
I’m Excited To See This Iconic Naruto Moment In Live-Action
TheNarutomangaand anime started the same way—with a brief history lesson about the Nine-Tails' attack on Konoha village. It’s an action-packed way to start a series, introducing the monster that Naruto’s community fears so much (which is hidden within him) and the Fourth Hokage who saved the day. Overall, it’s a scene thatNarutofans have begun to take for granted, but this sequence in live-action has me genuinely excited.This opening sequence would allow the Lionsgate movie to prove itself right out of the gateand set the tone for the rest of the film.
Getting The Nine-Tails Attack Right Would Set The Tone For The Naruto Movie
A Good Opening Sequence Would Build Our Confidence For The Rest Of The Movie
If the live-actionNarutonails the Nine-Tails opening sequence, nothing could stop it. It would be the perfect way to get fans pumped up for the continued story, allowing them to watch the more practical scenes of a young Naruto causing chaos in Konoha without the anxiety of wondering whether the film will be able to capture the action. After all, this is typically where live-action anime adaptations fall flat.It’s far too easy for action sequences to come across as cheesy when live actors and CGI are in the mix, and there’s nothing more immersion-breaking than a cringey anime-style fight scene.
If he looks fantastic—breathtaking and frightening—while destroying Konoha, then we can breathe a sigh of relief and sit back to enjoy the film.
The Nine-Tails appearing on screen first thing would tell audiences precisely what they can expect from the film. If he looks fantastic—breathtaking and frightening—while destroying Konoha, then we can breathe a sigh of relief and sit back to enjoy the film. Of course, this would also come with our first brief look atNaruto’s Fourth Hokage, who will continue to be an essential feature of what will hopefully be a live-action film franchise. In a way,the opening sequence will be a short roadmap for what is to come, and after all these years of development hell, that’s something we could use.
The Naruto Movie Must Have Enough Budget To Bring Kishimoto’s World To Life
The Naruto Movie Is Only Worth It With Top-Tier Special Effects
Of course, thelive-actionNarutomoviecan only pull off the Nine-Tails opening sequence if it has the budget to manage it. As I mentioned, the doom of many anime movies is cheesy special effects, and if audiences catch a glimpse of a shotty Nine-Tails right off the bat, it will be over before it starts. Masashi Kishimoto constructed a beautiful fictional world full of miraculous monsters and powerful fighters. If Lionsgate hopes to bring it to the screen, thenit will need the cash to make the endeavor worth it.
The budget for Netflix’sOne Piecewas $144 million during production of season 1—about $18 million per episode.
There will be a place for practical effects in theNarutomovie, but, especially as the film series progresses (assuming we get more than one), it will be imperative that the CGI be in peak shape. The Nine-Tails' destruction of Konoha is only the beginning. Eventually, there will need to be some truly epic battles brought to the screen between Shinobi and Tailed Beasts alike. Just imagine the battle between Shukako (Gaara’s One-Tail) and Kurama (Naruto’s Nine-Tails) or the mind games brought to any fight by Itachi. The live-actionNarutocan really be something great, but it will all start with the first scene.
