Naruto To Get New Manga, Crossover Anime, And More Before The End Of The Decade
At New York Comic Con, new Naruto projects were outlined under the Project Rasengan initiative running through 2029. Planned releases include the Naruto x Ninku crossover anime, the Naruto: Shadow Rising manga, a global rollout for Naruto Mobile, a physical card game, and progress on a live-action feature film.
A long-term initiative dubbed Project Rasengan was introduced at New York Comic Con, establishing a slate of media releases for the Naruto brand extending through 2029. The announcement outlined at least eight upcoming properties intended to revive momentum for the franchise as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. The planned offerings span multiple formats, encompassing fresh animation, printed works, table-top products, and interactive electronic entertainment.
Among the prominent reveals was Naruto x Ninku, a limited crossover anime series currently in development. The project pairs the Ninja universe with Ninku, the martial arts series that originally motivated creator Masashi Kishimoto. Although promotional footage shown during the event did not explicitly state a launch date, positioning on the official roadmap points toward an estimated release in 2027.
Interactive media forms a core component of the upcoming strategy, highlighted by the planned global expansion of Naruto Mobile. Originally published exclusively in China back in 2016, the mobile title is being prepared for a broader international release by publisher Bandai Namco. While an exact launch window remains unconfirmed despite its placement alongside 2027 initiatives, additional details regarding the global edition are scheduled to be disclosed during Jump Festa 2027 this December.
In addition to the digital release, physical gaming products are actively being prepared for a global push. The Naruto Card Game is scheduled for a simultaneous worldwide debut in June 2027, launching with both its core set and an initial expansion pack. Attendees were shown preview art for various cards, and local store trial sessions are slated to begin early in 2027 across February and March.
The presentation also highlighted progress on the previously announced live-action Naruto feature film. Director Destin Daniel Cretton provided a written statement for the event outlining his creative perspective on the central character, emphasizing the protagonist's persistence and emotional resilience as core themes for the cinematic adaptation. However, the panel did not reveal casting choices or premiere footage during the session.
The showcase concluded with the announcement of Naruto: Shadow Rising, a brand-new manga series written directly by original creator Masashi Kishimoto. Specific storyline details regarding the printed project were kept under wraps, with further announcements promised during the upcoming Jump Festa 2027 event. Supplementary franchise ventures mentioned during the event included the North American debut of the Naruto Shippuden Symphonic Experience alongside upcoming branded merchandise lines.
Source: Polygon — original reporting
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