Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece live-action adaptation on Netflix recently broke the dreaded anime-adaptation curse, becoming a global sensation and setting the bar high for future projects. With the success of One Piece, anime fans are now more eager than ever to see their favorite series adapted into live-action. And when it comes to iconic anime, few are as globally recognized as Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto.
As the second most popular anime after One Piece, Naruto has fans holding their breath in anticipation of its upcoming live-action movie. It’s been a few years since Lionsgate announced this project, and while details have been scarce, the buzz around it continues to grow, especially with the recent announcement that Jonathan Majors will be joining the cast. Majors will be taking on the role of the Fourth Raikage, a character that many had initially envisioned Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson portraying.
Why the Fourth Raikage?
The Fourth Raikage, also known as A, is one of the most powerful characters in the Naruto universe. As the leader of the Hidden Cloud Village, he’s renowned for his immense strength, speed, and mastery of the Lightning Release Chakra Mode. The Raikage is a figure of authority and brute force, making him a character that demands a commanding presence on screen.
For years, fans have been vocal about wanting to see Dwayne Johnson take on this role. With his massive physique and action-hero credentials, The Rock seemed like the perfect fit for a character like the Raikage. However, Lionsgate’s decision to cast Jonathan Majors instead has taken the fandom by surprise.
Why Jonathan Majors?
Jonathan Majors has been making waves in Hollywood with his standout performances in projects like HBO’s Lovecraft Country, Creed III, and as the menacing Kang the Conqueror in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Majors brings a unique blend of intensity, charisma, and depth to his roles, making him a fascinating choice for the Raikage.
While Dwayne Johnson might have been the obvious pick for the Raikage, Majors’ casting suggests that Lionsgate is looking to bring a new dimension to the character. Majors has the physicality to pull off the Raikage’s formidable presence, but he also has the acting chops to bring a deeper, more nuanced portrayal to the role. This could mean that the live-action adaptation might explore the Raikage’s backstory and motivations more thoroughly than the anime or manga ever did.
The Fans’ Reaction
As expected, the news of Majors joining the Naruto live-action movie has sparked a flurry of reactions online. While some fans are excited to see what Majors will bring to the role, others are still disappointed that they won’t get to see The Rock don the Raikage’s signature lightning-imbued armor.
One fan tweeted, “Jonathan Majors is a beast, but man, I was really hoping for The Rock as the Raikage. This is going to be interesting to watch!” Another chimed in, “Majors is going to kill it as the Raikage. Can’t wait to see him in action!”
The casting has certainly added another layer of anticipation to the movie. Fans are now curious to see how Majors will interpret the character and how his portrayal will fit into the broader narrative of the Naruto universe.
A Long-Awaited Adaptation
The Naruto live-action movie has been in development for over a decade, testing the patience of fans worldwide. Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto, has expressed his interest in being involved in the adaptation process, which only heightens expectations. With the talented Destin Daniel Cretton, known for his work on Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, at the helm, there’s a lot riding on this movie to deliver.
Given the success of Netflix’s One Piece, the pressure is on for Lionsgate to get Naruto right. Fans are hoping for a faithful adaptation that captures the essence of the anime while bringing something fresh to the table. The casting of Jonathan Majors is a bold move, signaling that the studio is willing to take risks to ensure the movie resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers.
Looking Ahead
As the Naruto live-action movie inches closer to reality, the casting of Jonathan Majors as the Fourth Raikage has certainly shaken things up. While some might still hold onto their dream of seeing The Rock in the role, Majors’ involvement promises a fresh and potentially groundbreaking take on the character.
With a powerhouse like Majors on board and the direction of Destin Daniel Cretton, the Naruto live-action movie is shaping up to be a must-watch event. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious to see how Hollywood handles another beloved anime, this adaptation is one to keep an eye on.
So, get ready to see Jonathan Majors electrify the screen as the Fourth Raikage—because the ninja world is about to get a whole lot more intense!