The behind-the-scenes story behind the creation of iconic characters often hides surprising inspirations.
Masashi Kishimoto, the brain behind ‘Naruto’recently revealed an unexpected origin for one of the series’ beloved ninjas: Gaara, the jinchuriki of the sand, was inspired by none other than Neo, played by Keanu Reeves in the classic 1999 science fiction film, ‘The Matrix’.
The influence of Keanu Reeveswhich continues to thrive thanks to the success of ‘John Wick’, had deep roots in Japan.
At the time of the release of ‘The Matrix’, its phenomenal aura extended to mangaka Masashi Kishimoto, who confessed to being a big fan of the film.
Reeves’ portrayal of Neo left a lasting mark on the style and character design of the ‘Naruto Shippuden’ universe, the sequel to the original anime.
‘Matrix’ and its impact on character creation
Kishimoto admitted to drawing inspiration from the artistic direction of ‘Matrix‘ to create new designs, particularly for three characters, including Gaara, one of the most popular in the series.
Despite the pressure to deliver weekly drawings to Shonen Jump, he dedicated himself to detailing the characters, paying homage to the film’s aesthetic, even if it might delay his work.
Image: Pierrot/Viz Media/Reproduction
Recognition of the influence of ‘Matrix‘ was notable in the latest anime character popularity poll, held in January 2023, in which Gaara placed honorably, reaching fifteenth place.
Gaara, initially introduced as an antagonist at the beginning of the anime, captivated fans with memorable moments, such as the memorable fight against Rock Lee in the Chunin Exams.
Kishimoto expressed surprise at Lee’s rise in popularity after this event, and noted that while there were no further stories centered around him, he did consider expanding his narrative at one point.
In addition to Gaara, another notable ninja, Rock Lee, had his origins in the inspiration of a real figure: Bruce Lee. This revelation is nothing new, as Kishimoto often drew inspiration from real people or actors to shape his characters.
All of these icons from the ‘Naruto’ universe can be found in the latest release, ‘Naruto X Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections’, a game that celebrates the Ninja Storm tradition and brings together these memorable heroes.
