Naruto’s Creator Reveals Surprising Favorite Spider-Man Film

As we gear up for the release of Spider-Man: Brand New Day in theaters, there’s a nostalgic look back at the franchise’s journey. A new documentary dives into the history of Spider-Man and his live-action films, featuring interviews with the cast, crew, and creative minds behind Marvel’s cinematic universe, shedding light on the evolution and significance of these movies.

One notable figure featured in the documentary, Generations: The Evolution of Spider-Man, is Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of the iconic manga series Naruto. Kishimoto, a passionate Spider-Man enthusiast, shares how Peter Parker and his alter ego have significantly influenced his own storytelling.

“Back when my wife and I were dating, the very first movie we saw together was Spider-Man,” Kishimoto reminisced. “It made a lasting impression on me.” He finds the struggle of Peter Parker’s dual existence as a superhero particularly compelling. “The anguish of his double life is something I really connect with.”

Kishimoto also appreciates the complexity of Spider-Man’s villains. “In Naruto, my characters aren’t just evil; they have backstories that shape who they are. I strive to reflect that depth in my work as well.”

To showcase his Spider-Man fandom, Kishimoto sports an Amazing Fantasy #15 T-shirt and a Spider-Man logo pin, which he got from a limited-edition Japanese DVD box set for Sam Raimi’s 2002 film, Spider-Man.

Interestingly, Kishimoto has a soft spot for a different Spider-Man film, which might raise some eyebrows. “I absolutely love The Amazing Spider-Man 2,” he confessed. “I feel like this Peter Parker carries the heaviest burden of ‘great responsibility.'” Hats off to Andrew Garfield for impressing the Naruto creator with his portrayal of Peter Parker.

Kishimoto appears in Generations: The Evolution of Spider-Man alongside other Japanese fans of the web-slinger, including Junya Enoki, the voice of Peter Parker/Spider-Man in Japan, and Takemi Okumura, who dons the Spider-Man suit in Tokyo’s upscale Ginza district. His participation in the documentary is particularly noteworthy as Spider-Man: Brand New Day director Destin Daniel Cretton is also helming a live-action Naruto movie for Lionsgate. Kishimoto praises Cretton’s talent, saying, “I’ve seen several of his works, and it’s rare to find someone who can balance dramatic storytelling with thrilling action.”

Spider-Man: Brand New Day hits theaters on July 31, while Generations: The Evolution of Spider-Man is currently available for streaming. Cretton’s Naruto film is still in the works, with a global casting search underway for its key roles.