Charles Melton in talks to play Kakashi in Lionsgate’s live-action Naruto

NEW DELHI: Talk about a copy-worthy role. Charles Melton is reportedly in talks to play Kakashi Hatake in Lionsgate’s upcoming live-action adaptation of Naruto, according to Variety.

Melton, known for his roles in Beef, May December and Riverdale, could portray one of the most recognisable characters in Masashi Kishimoto’s manga and anime franchise. Kakashi is better known as the Copy Ninja and Kakashi of the Sharingan.

The casting development comes as the studio continues its search for the live-action versions of the franchise’s central characters, including Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno.

The possible casting comes at an interesting point in Melton’s career. He was recently Emmy-nominated for his performance in the second season of Beef, where he appeared alongside Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan and Cailee Spaeny.

His other recent credits include the science-fiction thriller Her Private Hell and Warfare, while he previously gained widespread recognition through Riverdale. He also received critical acclaim for his performance in Todd Haynes’ 2023 drama May December.

The Naruto role would give Melton a sizeable franchise character, with Kakashi serving as a mentor to Naruto and his fellow young ninjas.

Created by Kishimoto, Naruto follows Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who dreams of becoming the leader and protector of his village, Konoha.

The manga has sold more than 250 million copies across more than 60 countries and has spawned two anime series, films, video games and several spin-offs.

The franchise’s sequel, Boruto, follows the next generation of ninjas led by Naruto’s son. The original Boruto manga series concluded its first part in March 2023, while its second part remains in development.

The live-action film is being directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, with Kishimoto attached to the project. Cretton is also producing alongside Jeyun Munford through his company Hisako.

Avi Arad and Emmy Yu are producing for Arad Productions, with Jeremy Latcham also attached.

Cretton began his feature filmmaking career with the acclaimed 2013 drama Short Term 12, which starred Brie Larson, LaKeith Stanfield and Rami Malek. He later moved into major studio filmmaking with Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.

With Melton now reportedly circling Kakashi, Lionsgate’s Naruto adaptation is beginning to put recognisable faces to one of anime’s most beloved ensembles. For fans, the next big question is who will step into the headband as Naruto himself.