‘Spider-Man 5’ Faces Delay as Director Focuses on ‘Naruto’ Adaptation

‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ has emerged as one of the year’s biggest theatrical successes, generating impressive box office numbers since its release on July 31. This resurgence has reignited interest in Tom Holland’s future as the iconic hero, prompting discussions about the next steps for the franchise.

Recently, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige provided insights into the series’ future, while producer Amy Pascal expressed her desire for director Destin Daniel Cretton to return for another installment. Cretton himself responded positively, simply stating “sure” when asked about his interest in directing a sequel.

However, despite the enthusiasm, a follow-up film is not on the immediate horizon. Cretton is now dedicated to a live-action adaptation of ‘Naruto’ for Lionsgate, a project that has finally begun to move forward after years of development, with filming slated to start in the first half of 2027.

This timeline places the ‘Naruto’ film at the forefront of Cretton’s commitments, even as Marvel remains open to his eventual return to the Spider-Man franchise. The adaptation has been in various stages of planning for over a decade, and Cretton officially joined the project as writer and director in February 2024, prior to the release of ‘Brand New Day’.

Cretton has shared his personal connection to the ‘Naruto’ story, particularly its themes of self-acceptance. In an interview with Rolling Stone while promoting ‘Brand New Day,’ he expressed how meeting creator Masashi Kishimoto deepened his connection to the material, as detailed in Rolling Stone.

Cretton, who has a mixed Japanese heritage, finds the story’s themes of embracing individuality resonate with him personally. This connection influences his approach to the adaptation, as he aims to remain faithful to Kishimoto’s original narrative without condensing too much material into a single film.

With casting for the ‘Naruto’ film’s Team 7 already in progress and principal photography expected to start in early 2027, Cretton’s schedule is quite full. This situation places ‘Spider-Man 5’ in a state of limbo, even as Marvel continues to signal long-term plans for Peter Parker’s journey.

Feige has confirmed that there are always plans for the character’s continuation, while Pascal has been clear about her desire to see Cretton return as director. For now, fans eager for a swift sequel to ‘Brand New Day’ will have to wait until Cretton completes his passion project in the Hidden Leaf Village.

It remains uncertain whether the ‘Naruto’ film will delay the fifth ‘Spider-Man’ installment by months or years, but Cretton’s busy schedule indicates that Peter Parker’s next adventure won’t arrive as soon as some fans might hope.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!