Destin Daniel Cretton, who is helming Lionsgate's live-action Naruto film, which is currently in pre-production, is tirelessly working to bring the film to the floors as early as possible. In order to avoid jumping ahead to Shippuden, Cretton is collaborating closely with manga creator Masashi Kishimoto. Plus, a global casting search is in progress for Team 7's primary teenage leads.  

Now, reports suggest that Emmy-nominated actor Charles Melton is in the final stages of negotiations to portray Kakashi Hatake, the elite mentor in the film.

The Hollywood Reporter reports that Beef star Charles Melton is in final negotiations to play Kakashi Hatake in the live-action Naruto film, which will be helmed by Destin Daniel Cretton of Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Melton is set to be the first formal addition to the next adaptation, although a search is continuing for the title role. 

He was previously thought to be in negotiations for the role of Beast in Marvel Studios' X-Men, which recently revealed its cast at D23. It appears that he has now discovered his big-screen franchise in the much-anticipated adaptation of the renowned anime. In addition to being a lifelong enthusiast of manga and anime, the actor is a highly skilled martial artist. He participated in the Junior Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, and holds a second-degree black belt in taekwondo.

Melton had his breakthrough as a star on the long-running CW series Riverdale, where he portrayed Reggie Mantle. He then moved on to more prestigious shows, starting with Todd Haynes' May December, in which he costarred with Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore. Among his other credits are Nicolas Winding Refn's Her Private Hell and Alex Garland's Warfare. And as The Hollywood Reporter exclusive suggests, his next project is almost sealed. 

Internet Boyfriends Kit Connor and Charles Melton Set Hearts Racing with a Lip Kiss at 'Warfare' Photoshoot

Naruto by Masashi Kishimoto is a beautiful story of resilience and the strength of the bond shared between friends.

Naruto is the coming-of-age tale of Naruto Uzumaki, a young, passionate ninja who aspires to be the head of his ninja village but has to first win over his villagers, as he possesses the nine-tailed demon fox sealed inside, which forces them to fear him. From 1999 to 2014, the narrative was serialized in Japan's well-known Weekly Shonen Jump. It subsequently gave rise to a few well-liked animated series that ran for years on Cartoon Network and Disney XD.

Jeremy Latcham, Avi Arad, Ari Arad, and Emmy Yu are producing for Arad Productions. Destin Daniel Cretton's company, Hisako, is producing alongside Jeyun Munford. Cretton is coming off the enormous success of Spider-Man: Brand New Day. His other credits include the Marvel film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. According to insiders, Naruto is expected to begin production in February 2027.

Fresh From 'Spider-Man' Success, Destin Daniel Cretton Sets ‘Naruto' LA Release Date

What do you think of Charles Melton as Kakashi Hatake? Do let us know.