The “Naruto” franchise is expanding on multiple fronts, with a new crossover anime television series and another manga from author Masashi Kishimoto officially unveiled during a Saturday panel at New York Comic Con.
The anime, titled “NARUTOxNINKŪ,” will bring the world of “Naruto” together with the manga “NINKŪ.” Kishimoto and “NINKŪ” creator Koji Kiriyama will both supervise the series.
The crossover’s story begins with Kakashi assigning Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura a new mission. Unable to participate himself, Kakashi places Naruto in charge of Team 7, giving the newly appointed acting leader extra motivation to succeed.
The assignment quickly takes an unexpected turn when the trio becomes lost in another world. There, they encounter Fūsuke, a boy whose face resembles a frog’s, as Team 7 attempts to understand the strange place in which they have arrived.
A New “Naruto” Manga Is Coming
The New York Comic Con panel saved another major announcement for its closing moments: Kishimoto is releasing a new “Naruto” manga titled “Shadow Rising.”
The project was revealed through a teaser video at the end of the presentation. Additional information about “Shadow Rising” is scheduled to be shared at Jump Festa 2027 in December.
Together, the anime and manga announcements open two separate new chapters for the franchise. “NARUTOxNINKŪ” places Team 7 in a crossover built around an unfamiliar world and a character from “NINKŪ,” while “Shadow Rising” represents another “Naruto” manga from Kishimoto.
Live-Action Movie Director Shares an Update
The panel also included a message from Destin Daniel Cretton, director of the upcoming live-action “Naruto” movie. Cretton discussed the film’s ongoing development and the worldwide search for actors to play Team 7, which he said began during the summer.
“The further we get into making this film, the more excited I am about what we’re creating,” Cretton wrote.
The director emphasized the qualities he believes define Naruto, describing him as someone who could ordinarily be pushed into a supporting role because he is excitable, tries too hard and is frequently underestimated. For Cretton, however, the character’s persistence and loyalty are central to the movie’s approach.
“No matter how many times he fails or gets knocked down, he never stops believing in himself or fighting for the people he loves,” Cretton said. “That spirit is at the heart of the story we’re telling.”
Cretton also acknowledged the importance of the characters to their audience and said the filmmakers are handling Kishimoto’s world, relationships and character journeys with care.
“We’re hard at work and will have more to share soon,” he added. “Until then, thank you for your passion, your patience, and for being along for the ride. I can’t wait for you to see what’s ahead!”
ShowBiz Take
The New York Comic Con presentation matters because it did more than announce a single new project. It established fresh activity for “Naruto” across television, manga and live-action film, while keeping Kishimoto directly connected to both of the newly revealed titles.
The crossover also gives the anime a clear narrative hook rather than simply revisiting a familiar Team 7 mission. Naruto’s temporary leadership role, the group’s arrival in another world and the introduction of Fūsuke set up a story that can bring the two manga properties together while retaining Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura and Kakashi as its starting point.
Meanwhile, “Shadow Rising” carries its own significance as another “Naruto” manga from Kishimoto. Although the teaser introduced the title, the next major round of confirmed information has been reserved for a later event.
What Happens Next?
Attention now turns to Jump Festa 2027 in December, where more details about “Shadow Rising” are due to be revealed. Cretton has also promised further information about the live-action movie, while “NARUTOxNINKŪ” has introduced its premise and creative supervision ahead of its arrival as a new anime TV series.