Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Episode 1 Discussion

Isterio said:

Filler content can still be canon to the continuity of the story, as in "fullfilling the authors vision of the story he wants to tell". The definition of the word "filler" has become pretty versatile and among "canon" is a poor choice for proper specification, when used without context. To specifiy this within this discussion.

Filler content in regards to the Manga and the Boruto Anime specifically refers to continuity approved material that doesn´t progress the plot of the story and exist as padding. It´s there to fill runtime in the Anime or panels in the manga to give the author time to think, the animators time to draw or serves as creative wish fullfillment for the people in charage. For example, it can fullfill the urge of the mangaka/Animator/director to draw/direct a specific scene, which can have various reasons. Alternatively it can also aid the pacing of the medium and give the audience breathing room between hectic scenes or episodes.

The second, more prevalent definition of filler, in regards to the Anime scene, refers to the out of continuity storylines that are put within mostly long running Anime TV shows. I have yet to encounter this type of content in other media. Anime only relies on this type of production methods, because of it´s insistance on nearly 1:1 adaptations of the source material. No other media known to me follows this phylosophy and therefore has no requrirement for it.

However, Boruto specifically as a franchise is in a precarious situation.
It´s thoroughly written by the same author, in Manga and in Anime form, that supposedly is overlooked by the original creator of the Naruto franchise of which Boruto currently is only a minor entry off. Regardless if Movie , Anime series, Manga or Novel, it´s material that was not only approved by the original creator but also acknowledged as part of his continuity of lore. It´s an addition that doesn´t clash with his creative vision of the story he created.

Nonetheless Kishimoto as the original creator has the power to denounce any of the content other writers have created about the franchise he invented, if he choose so in the future. Like Toriyama did with Dragon Ball GT, George Lucas with the Star Wars Novels, or the Warcraft franchise that keeps rebooting and retconing tself since half a decade now.
But given the circumstances the additions to his work are being written, this is highly unlikely.

TL DR: All the post Naruto Manga Novels are technically canon, so is Boruto in Manga Anime series and Movie form, Naruto "The Last" and yet all of them include filler content. Have a pleasant day!