Since news about the Naruto live-action adaptation broke, casting debates have become a hot topic. While Naruto needs innocence and Sasuke requires a cold demeanor, Kakashi’s role demands a complex mix of calmness, mystery, the experience of a high-level Jounin, and exceptional combat skills.
We’ve compiled a list of the top 5 potential actors who could perfectly embody Kakashi, considering their appearance, aura, and action experience.
1. Andrew Koji
British-Japanese actor Andrew Koji not only has the perfect look for a young, energetic ninja but also boasts a remarkable skill set that makes him a strong candidate. He exudes a youthful yet powerful vibe that fits a ninja always ready for battle.
What sets Koji apart is his outstanding martial arts background. Known as one of the most talented martial artists in the industry, he masters Karate, Taekwondo, and Kickboxing. His athletic build and deep martial arts knowledge give him a huge advantage in performing Kakashi’s complex, fast-paced action scenes flawlessly.
2. Yosuke Eguchi
Fans of the Rurouni Kenshin live-action will recognize Yosuke Eguchi. This Japanese actor has all the qualities needed to portray Kakashi’s personality. From his calm, confident look to his resemblance to Kakashi, Eguchi is a worthy contender.
Eguchi has proven his ability to play a mentor and reliable senior figure. He radiates experience, respect, and trustworthiness. His role as swordsman Saitō Hajime in Rurouni Kenshin gives him an edge in portraying the agility and finesse required for a ninja in Naruto.
3. Lee Byung-Hun
Korean star Lee Byung-Hun, internationally known for his role as the Front Man in Squid Game, carries a calm, mature presence with deep emotional layers. This perfectly aligns with Masashi Kishimoto’s vision of Kakashi as someone hiding pain and mystery behind a detached exterior.
Byung-Hun’s intense, mysterious gaze is iconic and matches Kakashi’s signature look. His ability to control facial expressions and portray cold, enigmatic characters makes him an ideal fit. Plus, his experience in major Hollywood action films like G.I. Joe and Terminator Genisys proves he can handle daring action scenes, strengthening his case for Kakashi.
4. Takeru Satoh
Another star from the Rurouni Kenshin live-action, Takeru Satoh (who played Himura Kenshin), has shown exceptional skill in portraying deep, disciplined characters. His facial features and overall look closely resemble Kakashi, especially since he’s familiar with white-haired roles.
If cast as Kakashi, Satoh would excel at showing both the strict mentor side and the dry humor and laid-back style fans love. He could also bring out Kakashi’s playful, childlike antics, adding more life to the character.
5. Joe Taslim
Joe Taslim is an almost undeniable choice for Kakashi. The Indonesian actor is famous for playing Sub-Zero in Mortal Kombat, a character who always wears a mask. His experience portraying masked characters in action scenes makes him an immediate ideal candidate for Kakashi in the Naruto live-action.
Additionally, Taslim is a skilled martial artist with strong backgrounds in Wushu, Judo, and Taekwondo. This gives him a major advantage in convincingly becoming a true ninja on screen. With some makeup and silver hair, Joe Taslim would surely be the perfect embodiment of Kakashi Hatake.