Is Boruto inspired by The Matrix? Explanation

It is common knowledge among Boruto enthusiasts that manga creator Masashi Kishimoto and artist Mikio Ikemoto made a joint public appearance at a Kana event in France. During the event, they were interviewed and took the time to answer questions from fans. This was a noteworthy occasion, as it is not often that both creators are seen together in public.

During the interview, the creators revealed their biggest influences while working on the manga and provided fans with new insights into the series’s future. Interestingly, they shared that the storyline was heavily influenced by the popular Hollywood film, The Matrix, starring Keanu Reeves.

Please note: This article contains spoilers from the Boruto manga.

How Does Boruto Draw Inspiration from The Matrix?

At the Kana event in France, the creators of Boruto stated that the manga’s story was greatly influenced by The Matrix.

In the future, the plot of The Matrix takes place in a world where humans are unintentionally confined within the “Matrix.”This artificial reality is designed by machines to divert humans’ attention while they harness their bodies for energy.

In this constructed world, the main character “Neo”discovers the truth and allies with a resistance to liberate individuals from the Matrix.

Boruto as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

This plotline bears a striking resemblance to that of the manga, as the protagonist is often likened to “Neo.”In a similar way, the Matrix can be compared to the Omnipotence Shinjutsu, which caused the world to mistake Boruto for Kawaki and vice versa. Interestingly, the Omnipotence ability was activated by Eida, a cyborg, much like how the Matrix was created by machines.

Despite facing the powerful Divine Trees, the protagonist may be mirroring Neo’s battle against artificial intelligence in order to liberate humanity from the clutches of machines. The Otsutsuki, however, is not motivated by a desire for omnipotence or revealing the truth. Yet, he remains determined to rescue humanity from the consequences of the Divine Trees’ attack. In this sense, his mission aligns with that of Neo’s.

Kashin Koji as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

It is widely speculated by fans that Kashin Koji may have a role similar to Morpheus in the manga. Although their roles may differ, both characters serve as guides for the protagonist in their quest to save humanity.

Sarada Uchiha has been likened to Trinity from The Matrix, as viewers of the film may be aware that Trinity was the romantic interest of Neo. In a similar manner, Sarada serves as the love interest for Boruto in the manga series.

Sarada Uchiha as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

Fans have been drawing parallels between the movie and theorizing that Sarada could potentially follow in Trinity’s footsteps by sacrificing herself to save her love interest, much like how Trinity sacrificed herself to save Neo.

Fortunately, the manga has simply taken inspiration from the movie, providing a hopeful possibility that Sarada’s character may not meet her demise in the plot as she saves Boruto.

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