The anticipated Naruto remake appears to have hit a significant roadblock, leaving fans in a state of uncertainty. Studio Pierrot, the renowned animation studio behind the original Naruto series, has remained notably tight-lipped regarding any developments on the project. This prolonged silence has sparked concerns among animanga enthusiasts who are eagerly awaiting news.
Initially, Studio Pierrot offered a vague release window to appease fans, but since then, there has been a complete lack of follow-up information or specific dates. The studio’s continued reticence has led many to speculate that the remake may not be forthcoming, possibly indicating that it has been postponed indefinitely or even canceled altogether.
The journey of the Naruto remake has been tumultuous. A four-episode special was announced to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the original anime, aiming to blend contemporary animation techniques with Masashi Kishimoto’s iconic work. The announcement hinted at a promising revival that fans had hoped would breathe new life into the beloved series.
In March 2023, the official Naruto website confirmed that production was underway for four new episodes, with the first episode slated for a September 2023 release. However, as the date approached, it became clear that the promised content had not materialized. The original announcement did not clarify the focus of these episodes, leaving fans in the dark.
Further complicating matters, the studio pushed back the release date, stating it wanted to “create a work that meets everyone’s expectations.” Despite the apology issued via the studio’s official X account, no concrete information about the episodes or their content was provided. This lack of clarity has only fueled speculation and heightened fan anticipation, yet still no updates have emerged from Studio Pierrot.
In May 2024, a source involved with the project suggested to TV Tokyo that the Naruto remake might be released within the current fiscal year, ending on March 31, 2025. While this offers a glimmer of hope, the absence of official confirmation or further details has led many to believe that the project could be on the back burner as Studio Pierrot juggles other significant commitments.
The studio is currently engaged with various projects, including “Boruto,” “Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War,” and “Black Clover.” This heavy workload might explain the lack of attention toward the Naruto remake. Additionally, the studio’s X account has shown a greater focus on airing “Tokyo Ghoul: RE,” further indicating a shift in priorities.
As Studio Pierrot celebrated its 45th anniversary in May 2024, the promotional video released highlighted its expansive journey in the animation industry, but there was no mention of the Naruto remake. This oversight may signal that the studio is shifting its focus away from the beloved franchise for the time being.
Considering all these factors, it seems increasingly likely that the Naruto remake may be shelved or at least delayed indefinitely. The prolonged silence and lack of a definitive release plan raise concerns that fans may have to wait much longer than anticipated to see their favorite ninja in a new light.
