The Matrix is a prequel to The Terminator.
Some fans believe that The Matrix universe is actually a distant future version of the Terminator universe. The theory suggests that the Skynet A.I. from Terminator eventually evolves into the sentient programs seen in The Matrix. After humanity loses its war with the machines in Terminator, the machines create a simulated reality (The Matrix) to keep humans alive as energy sources. Over time, those simulations become more advanced, and the program’s design includes consciousness, which is how we get the sentient AIs and their “free will” in The Matrix.
If you think about it, both universes are built around the same idea of machines taking over and humans being trapped in a digital or artificial world. What do you think—could this theory hold up?
