Naruto is the only one of the Big 3 without live-action, and fans are asking for a Netflix remake.

For over two decades, Naruto has established itself as one of the most important pillars of anime worldwide. The story of Naruto Uzumaki, the boy rejected by his village who dreamed of becoming Hokage, has inspired millions of fans. It has remained current thanks to its sequel, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. However, despite its enormous popularity, Naruto remains the only one of the legendary trio of shonen, alongside One Piece and Bleach, that still does not have a live-action adaptation. With the unexpected but resounding success of the live-action One Piece on Netflix, studios have once again turned their attention to other legendary anime franchises. Naruto, with its universe rich in characters, battles, and universal values, seems like the next logical candidate. And while live-action anime adaptations have a mixed track record, *Naruto* could benefit greatly. This would be the case if it's done with a smart, emotional, and visually curated approach. ---

The challenges of adapting Naruto into live-action

One of the main challenges of adapting Naruto to live-action is the exaggerated and fantastical tone that characterizes the anime. Ninja techniques ( jutsus ), transformations, massive battles, and supernatural powers are all elements that require convincing visual execution. This is necessary to avoid descending into ridiculousness. The poor reception of adaptations like Dragonball Evolution or the Japanese version of Fullmetal Alchemist proves that cheap CGI and poor production design can ruin even the best story. Furthermore, Naruto isn't all action. The series has a strong emotional charge and very solid character building. From Naruto's loneliness, Sasuke's desire for revenge, to Sakura's growth and Kakashi's philosophy as a mentor. Naruto's early arcs are packed with profound moments. These require actors capable of conveying emotional nuances, something many past adaptations have failed to achieve. ---

Why Netflix would be the ideal platform

Netflix already demonstrated with One Piece that it's possible to adapt an anime with respect and commercial success. It did so by investing in high-quality special effects, working with a multicultural cast, and keeping the heart of the story intact. It also consulted directly with the original creator. A similar project with Naruto would avoid the mistakes of the past. It would also give audiences a story that feels real and powerful. Plus, Netflix's serialized format, divided into seasons, would give Naruto room to grow at a slow pace. It wouldn't have to condense the entire first arc into a two-hour movie. This way, it could develop characters, relationships, and battles organically. The Zabuza and Haku Saga, for example, would be a perfect start to a first season. It's emotional, intense, and clearly establishes the series' values. ---

A more human approach and less focused on special effects

While Naruto has some spectacular scenes that require CGI, the most important thing early on is the human drama. Naruto's pain at being rejected, his rivalry with Sasuke, and the values ​​of teamwork that Kakashi teaches. Plus, the emotional conflict in the fights makes the story work beyond just the powers themselves. If Netflix can capture that spirit, it can largely dispense with the exaggerated effects for the first few installments. It can focus on creating a series with soul. The use of practical effects to depict taijutsu (hand-to-hand combat) could be key. The early fights in Naruto could be adapted with impressive choreography without the need for excessive CGI. This would give it an identity closer to a martial arts film than a fantasy spectacle, while maintaining authenticity. ---

The time is now

With One Piece getting the green light for a second season and Avatar: The Last Airbender returning in live-action, the market for animation-based live-action is hotter than ever. Naruto has all the tools to become the next big adaptation, as long as the foundations that made the series a success are respected. Furthermore, the generational shift also plays into Naruto's favor. Many of the fans who grew up with Naruto are now between 25 and 35 years old. This audience is nostalgic but demanding, willing to relive their childhood if the production is up to par. For younger generations, a well-made live-action adaptation would be an excellent entry point into the ninja universe.