Naruto New Anime’s First Look Proves We Don’t Need A Remake

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For years, fans have wondered if the anime Naruto should be remade, but there’s a strong argument against it. The original series is turning 24, and the world of anime has changed dramatically. Animation has moved from traditional hand-drawing to digital techniques, which has allowed shows like Jujutsu Kaisen and Demon Slayer to achieve a more polished look. Because this newer style is popular, some people want to see Naruto, particularly the first part, updated with these modern visuals.

When Naruto began in 2002, it was animated entirely by hand, using traditional cell animation techniques. While the show gradually started incorporating digital methods, the overall artistic style still reflected that classic hand-drawn look, similar to many anime series from that era. It took several years for digital animation to significantly change how anime was visually designed, impacting everything from character shapes and colors to anatomical details.

The Naruto series isn’t as widely known today. Boruto: Naruto Next Generation has moved to a fully digital format and uses a modern anime style with thinner lines, softer colors, and stronger contrast. If the original Naruto was remade now, it would likely look like Boruto. The real question is whether a remake would actually improve the series, and Studio Pierrot seems to have already decided that isn’t necessary.

Studio Pierrot’s Road To Naruto Teased A Modern Anime Remake

To mark its 20th anniversary in 2022, the creators of Naruto released a special nearly 10-minute video called Road to Naruto. It features updated, digitally reanimated scenes from the entire anime series, spanning both Naruto and Naruto Shippuden. Set to the show’s most iconic theme songs, the video is a moving recap of Naruto’s story—a fitting tribute to a beloved series that has captivated audiences for twenty years.

When this video was released, Pierrot announced they would be creating new Naruto episodes, taking place during the original storyline. It’s been almost four years, and fans are still waiting for them. However, the announcement generated a lot of excitement, and it seemed like Pierrot was planning a Naruto remake with a sleek, updated, digital look.

The “Road to Naruto” video is enjoyable, but it highlights why a complete remake isn’t really needed. The updated visuals look good in action, but when you focus on the characters themselves, something feels off – like a key element is lost.

Naruto Part 1 With Modern Character Designs Feels Weird

As a longtime anime fan, I’ve seen styles come and go, and Naruto really lands right in the middle of that evolution. It doesn’t have the really classic, sketchy look of something like Cowboy Bebop, but it also avoids the super-clean, almost washed-out style you see in a lot of anime today. That hand-drawn style from the 2000s is a big part of what makes Naruto so appealing. It’s not just about nostalgia, either – the art defines those characters. Honestly, seeing them redrawn with a more recent, streamlined look just feels
off.

As a fan, I have to say the time travel arc in Boruto was really odd. When Boruto and Sasuke went back to the original Naruto series, seeing young Naruto and everyone else was cool at first, but then it just felt
wrong. We’re so used to the current art style with the softer lines and colors on adult Naruto as Hokage. Applying that style to his thirteen-year-old self didn’t work for me; he just didn’t feel like the same character. It felt really unnatural and disconnected.

If Pierrot were to completely redo Naruto today, they’d almost certainly use the animation style from Boruto. While the action scenes might be even more exciting, it’s worth considering what the remake could lose in the process. Despite this, fans continue to ask for a remake, but if Pierrot delivers on their promise of four new episodes, those fans might be satisfied.

Naruto’s Upcoming New 4 Episodes Could Be Visually Jarring

Custom image created by Evan D. Mullicane

Shortly after Studio Pierrot released a special video, they announced four new episodes of Naruto to mark the anime’s 20th anniversary. These episodes are set during the original Naruto series and will show unseen missions from Team 7’s early days. Originally planned for 2023, the project was delayed, and its future was uncertain. More recently, it’s been announced that the episodes are now expected to be released around the end of 2026, though that date isn’t fully confirmed.

Pierrot postponed the project, simply stating they were prioritizing “quality,” which suggests the studio is aiming for high-end, contemporary digital animation. While that’s potentially great news, it’s hard not to be a little concerned. Updating the art style could feel strange and disconnect viewers from the original feel of the show. The appeal of new episodes lies in the nostalgia factor, and changing the artwork risks losing that connection entirely.

Why Naruto Shouldn’t Be Remade

The recent four episodes of Naruto are surprisingly good, and quickly overcome any initial awkwardness. This suggests a full Naruto remake might actually work well. However, it’s important to remember that a remake wouldn’t attract the same large audience as the original series. Unlike One Piece, which is still running and incredibly popular, a new Naruto show would likely appeal to a smaller, dedicated fanbase, and that probably wouldn’t be a good use of Pierrot’s time or money.

Honestly, instead of a complete remake of Naruto, I’d much prefer an official Naruto Kai version. Think of it – just the core story arcs, cutting out all those filler episodes! It could really shine with updated animation, especially since it’d be mostly action-packed scenes. But, you never know if something like that would actually make money for the studio, or if fans would even love it. Ultimately, I think we’re better off just appreciating the original Naruto anime for what it is – a truly nostalgic piece of art that doesn’t need to be changed.

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2026-02-22 02:49