A new feature-length Naruto anime project will reportedly be announced at New York Comic Con. The reveal is expected to take place on October 10 during a panel focused on the long-running franchise. Variety first reported the news.
Most details about the movie are still being kept secret, including its title, plot, release window, and where it fits within the franchise timeline. The New York Comic Con panel could confirm whether the movie will continue an established storyline, adapt material that has not appeared on screen, or tell a completely original story. Fans may also get information about the production team and voice cast, along with an early teaser, trailer, or piece of promotional artwork.
Masashi Kishimoto created the original manga, which began serialization in 1999 and ended in 2014. Its final collected volume was released in 2015. The complete story runs for 72 volumes and became the foundation for one of the most successful manga and anime franchises in the world. More than 250 million copies of the manga have been distributed worldwide.
The story centers on Naruto Uzumaki, a lonely boy from the Hidden Leaf Village who is often dismissed and underestimated by the people around him. Naruto dreams of becoming Hokage, the village’s leader and protector, but his goal is not simply about gaining an important title. More than anything, he wants to earn the respect and acceptance of the people who once rejected him. His journey mixes large-scale ninja battles with personal stories about friendship, perseverance, grief, responsibility, and the lasting effects of hatred.
The manga led to two major television series, Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden, along with 11 animated feature films. Some of those movies tell mostly self-contained stories, while others have closer ties to the main continuity. Studio Pierrot, which produced the franchise’s television adaptations, is expected to be involved in the new project. However, the studio and other production details have not been officially confirmed.
The original story was followed by Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, which moves the spotlight to Naruto’s son and a new generation of ninja from the Hidden Leaf Village. The sequel manga, Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, picks up after a major time jump. It follows Boruto through a dramatically changed world as he deals with dangerous new enemies, shifting alliances, and the consequences of powerful abilities capable of altering reality.
The Boruto television anime is currently on hiatus. The first part has concluded, and a second part has been announced, but it does not yet have a confirmed premiere date. With the television series absent from the schedule, the upcoming movie announcement may give fans a better idea of where the franchise is heading next. For now, though, there is no confirmation that the film will connect directly to Boruto’s story.
Four special episodes were previously announced as part of the 20th-anniversary celebration for the Naruto anime. Their release was later postponed indefinitely so the production team could spend more time improving the animation and overall quality. A new release schedule has not been announced, and it is still unclear whether the New York Comic Con panel will include an update on those episodes.
A separate Hollywood live-action adaptation is also moving ahead, with production reportedly expected to begin in 2027. Destin Daniel Cretton, known for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Spider-Man: Brand New Day, is set to direct. Charles Melton is currently the only announced cast member. He will play Kakashi Hatake, the highly skilled ninja who serves as the mentor to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura.
There is now a lot happening across the franchise, from the continuing Boruto manga and delayed anniversary episodes to the new animated movie and live-action adaptation. The October 10 panel should finally provide some solid details about the anime film, including which characters it will follow and what period of the Naruto timeline it will explore.
