Charles Melton Eyes Kakashi Role in "Naruto" Live-Action Film from "Spider-Man: New Day" Director

Work on the live-action adaptation of "Naruto" is slowly gaining momentum.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Charles Melton is in final negotiations to join Lionsgate's live-action adaptation of "Naruto." The actor is vying for the role of Kakashi Hatake – the mentor of Team 7, which includes Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno.

The star of "Riverdale" and "May December" has Korean roots and extensive experience in martial arts. Melton holds a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo, and while living in South Korea, he won a gold medal at an International Taekwondo Federation competition.

Anime is also very familiar to the actor. Melton previously stated that he can watch series until four in the morning, and among his favorite titles, he named Dragon Ball Z, "Demon Slayer," and "Jujutsu Kaisen."

Destin Daniel Cretton, who directed "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" and "Spider-Man: New Day," will serve as the director and screenwriter for the adaptation. "Naruto" creator Masashi Kishimoto previously endorsed the director's candidacy and stated that he fully trusts him.

The start dates for filming and the premiere of "Naruto" have not yet been announced.