Naruto Officially Reveals First-Look at Live Action Casting for 4 Major Characters

Naruto is getting a completely new official stage production that will see a long-running live show combining physical performance, modern technology and ninja action debut in 2027.

The new “Ninja Theatre NARUTO” production will be performed at Minamiza in Kyoto, one of Japan’s most historic theaters and a venue closely associated with traditional Japanese performing arts.

Located in the Shijo-Kawaramachi area, Minamiza will be transformed into a space combining that theatrical heritage with Naruto’s ninja world, modern stage technology and contemporary Japanese pop culture.

The production is being promoted as a version of Naruto that audiences have never seen before, replacing dialogue-heavy theatrical storytelling with movement and visual performance that can be understood regardless of language.

That approach is intended to make the show accessible to international visitors as well as Japanese audiences, allowing fans to follow the action without needing subtitles or translation.

The latest announcement has also revealed the first character visuals, showing Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno and Kakashi Hatake in dynamic action poses created specifically for the production.

Rather than presenting the four characters as static theatrical portraits, the imagery emphasizes movement and physical performance, offering an early indication of the style the show intends to use on stage.

Direction is being handled by Go Ueki, whose previous work includes stage adaptations and live productions connected to internationally recognized franchises such as Attack on Titan and Sailor Moon.

The production has also recruited Neil Dorward as Global Creative Consultant, adding experience from Cirque du Soleil to the team responsible for developing its large-scale physical and technical performances.

Together, the creative team is aiming to combine choreography and human performance with modern theatrical technology rather than relying heavily on spoken dialogue to tell the story.

The concept should be particularly well suited to Naruto’s combat, where hand signs, Taijutsu, Ninjutsu and the exaggerated movement of its characters already provide a strong visual foundation for live performance.

Further interactive experiences connected to Naruto and the wider world of ninja are also being developed around the production, although details of those additional activities have not yet been announced.

The first performance schedule covers February and March 2027, with tickets for those dates now on sale following the opening of reservations on August 25, starting at ¥9,500 (approx. $60 USD / £44 GBP).