Destin Daniel Cretton says the upcoming live-action Naruto movie will place the character’s emotional journey at the center of the adaptation.

Speaking with Rolling Stone, the director explained that the film will explore Naruto Uzumaki’s experience of growing up as an outsider and learning to accept the part of himself that others fear.

“Naruto’s trajectory, his feelings of being an outsider, the feeling of having an ugliness or a monster or some part of you that you’re ashamed of, and then coming to realize that’s the part that makes you unique, that gives you your power,” Cretton said.

Naruto begins the story as an orphan rejected by much of the Hidden Leaf Village because the Nine-Tailed Fox is sealed inside him.

Although Naruto initially views that burden as something separating him from everyone else, his journey gradually teaches him to understand and control its power.

Cretton’s comments suggest the movie will remain focused on Naruto’s personal growth rather than concentrating only on the large battles and supernatural abilities associated with the franchise.

The filmmaker is writing and directing the adaptation for Lionsgate. Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto has publicly supported Cretton’s involvement and praised his ability to build character-driven stories.

The production recently launched a worldwide casting search for young actors to portray Naruto, Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno, the three central members of Team 7.

Cretton said bringing Kishimoto’s characters to live action is an honor and described the casting search as an important step toward bringing the Naruto universe to the big screen.

The live-action movie will be the first Hollywood theatrical adaptation of Naruto. Lionsgate has not yet announced a filming date, complete cast or theatrical release date.