TV Tokyo Clarifies 2027 Naruto Release: Link to Original or Boruto Spin-Off?
Naruto fans already have a lot to look forward to, from the long-awaited live-action movie to the continuing Boruto slate. Still, there’s another item on the horizon that’s a little harder to pin down: it’s unclear whether the upcoming release is meant to connect directly to the original Naruto franchise or if it’s really a Boruto-era project using “Naruto” as a broader label. Either way, it’s important to note that this is being treated as a separate release from the live-action Naruto movie that was recently confirmed.
Key takeaways
- TV Tokyo is describing Naruto’s 25th anniversary as the start of a “new phase,” not just a retrospective.
- New Naruto video games are planned to begin in 2027, with more releases extending beyond that year.
- TV Tokyo said multiple projects are already in the works, including franchise “video” projects that may connect to the live-action film.
- Some of the upcoming development work is expected to involve new partners.
- The recently confirmed live-action Naruto movie is in pre-production at Lionsgate, written and directed by Destin Daniel Cretton.
Live-action movie update and what it means for new projects
The live-action Naruto movie has officially been confirmed. Series creator Masashi Kishimoto has expressed enthusiasm about seeing his work adapted into a Hollywood film, and production is currently in pre-production at Lionsgate. Destin Daniel Cretton is both writing and directing, following his previous work on Marvel’s Shang-Chi, which suggests the adaptation is in hands with relevant big-studio experience.
At the same time, fans who want something truly fresh from the Naruto universe may also be paying attention to what’s happening in games. Alongside the live-action announcement, new video game plans have been floated for 2027.
Naruto has been nerfed, and in his weakened condition he’s no longer anywhere near Konoha’s strongest ninja.
New Naruto games and more confirmed for 2027 and beyond
Ahead of Naruto’s 25th anniversary in 2027, TV Tokyo confirmed what it calls a “new phase” for the franchise, with brand-new releases planned for next year and later. The information was shared through TV Tokyo Holdings’ FY 2025 Financial Results Briefing Q&A, published after the company’s May 2026 earnings presentation.
In the Q&A, when asked whether the 25th anniversary could mark the franchise’s peak, the company instead framed it as “the beginning of a new phase.” It also stated that multiple new projects are already planned for 2027 and beyond, including brand-new Naruto video games.
TV Tokyo’s comments also indicated fans can expect the following:
- New Naruto games launching starting in 2027.
- Additional “video” projects related to the franchise, possibly tying into the live-action movie.
- Some projects being developed in collaboration with new partners.
- More releases scheduled throughout 2027 and continuing after it.
Rearrange the covers into the correct Japanese release order.
Your Order
Results
TV Tokyo didn’t spell out what each project actually is, but the message is still clear: Naruto’s 25th anniversary won’t be limited to looking back on the franchise’s history. A video game was explicitly suggested, though it’s still unknown whether it will be another Ninja Storm-style fighting entry or something entirely different.
Either way, the company is clearly positioning 2027 as the start of Naruto’s next era, with new games, new projects, and additional partnerships expected to keep one of anime’s biggest franchises moving well past its milestone year.
Because Naruto has already been heavily represented in games over the years, one plausible direction for a new title is leaning more into the Boruto era. That said, it’s still speculation for now. Recent releases—such as Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections—have included Boruto content, but there hasn’t yet been a major AAA game built fully around Boruto: Naruto Next Generations or Two Blue Vortex.
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
With the franchise entering its 25th anniversary and TV Tokyo specifically mentioning development with new partners, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Bandai Namco—or another developer—try to push further beyond Naruto’s original story and commit more directly to Boruto’s timeline. Naturally, until an official announcement arrives, fans should treat that as one of several realistic possibilities rather than a confirmation of what’s actually in development.
Naruto
Cast
- Junko Takeuchi
- Noriaki Sugiyama


