Keanu Reeves is an actor whose legacy goes beyond the Hollywood screen. Recently recognized for his remarkable performance as John WickReeves had already won over audiences with an equally iconic role: Neo, in ‘The Matrix’, released in 1999.
Naruto had an important figure inspired by Keanu Reeves’ character
The influence of this film is not restricted to cinema, but extends to unexpected territories, such as Japanese culture.
Surprisingly, Reeves’ memorable portrayal of Neo served as inspiration for the creation of a beloved character in the ‘Naruto’ anime series: Gaara.
Gaara’s appearance and even personality were inspired by Neo – Image: Studio Pierrot/Reproduction.
According to reports from Naruto Secret: Scroll of Soldiers on Facebook, Masashi Kishimoto, creator of ‘Naruto‘, revealed that ‘Matrix’ is one of the films he likes the most and played a crucial role in defining certain looks for his characters.
The Akatsuki coats are a clear reference to the black overcoat Neo wore in the films.
The influence doesn’t stop there. Details like Sasuke’s high collar and even Gaara’s look in ‘Naruto Shippuden’ were influenced by Keanu Reeves’ portrayal of Neo.
When interviewed for Art Collection: Uzumaki, Kishimoto explained that Gaara’s appearance was directly related to the change in his behavior in the saga, symbolizing his journey from villain to hero.
This transition was also seen in the appearance and clothing of her siblings, Kankurou and Temari.
Gaara wasn’t the only character to be inspired by a different source. Another notable ninja, Rock Lee, traces his origins to a real-life figure: Bruce Lee.
Such a connection is nothing new, as Kishimoto often sought inspiration from real people and even actors to shape his characters.
So behind the captivating cast of ‘Naruto’ are countless inspirations that connect in unexpected ways.
Keanu Reeves’ portrayal of Neo in ‘Matrix‘ not only transcends cinema, but has also left an indelible mark on the world of anime.
In this way, Neo contributed to the creation and evolution of iconic figures that captivated a generation of fans around the world.
