Devil May Cry showrunner says it’s time to “get hyped” for the Netflix series

Devil May Cry showrunner says it's time to "get hyped" for the Netflix series

As a longtime fan of video games and anime, I couldn’t help but be thrilled by Netflix’s latest announcement – the upcoming animated series adaptation of the iconic “Devil May Cry” franchise! Growing up, I spent countless hours mastering the intricate combat mechanics and immersing myself in the over-the-top world of Dante and his demon-slaying escapades. So, to say that I’m ecstatic about this show is an understatement.

Over the past week, Netflix was bustling with excitement as they showcased previews, trailers, and announcements for their most anticipated series during their Geeked Week event. Among these were “Wednesday”, “One Piece”, and “The Sandman”. In terms of animation, “Arcane” truly stole the spotlight; the Emmy-winning series is set to premiere its second and concluding season in November, with a confirmed release date now revealed.

Apart from Arcane, another animated show received attention during Geeked Week – Devil May Cry, a Netflix series inspired by the popular Capcom action video game series. Frankly, this one has me really pumped up. Take a look at it here:

What is Devil May Cry about?

The initial “Devil May Cry” video game debuted on PlayStation 2 in the year 2001, pioneering action hack-and-slash gameplay which later influenced numerous games within the genre such as “God of War”, “Ninja Gaiden”, and “Chaos Legion”. The series centers around a young demon hunter named Dante, who bears the same name as “Dante’s Inferno”, slashing through hordes of monsters in an attempt to thwart hell’s takeover of the earth. What sets Dante apart is not just his slaughter of demons but the style in which he does it; a significant portion of the game involves placing Dante in over-the-top scenarios that would fit seamlessly into anime, delighting players as they watch him navigate these situations while berating his adversaries.

Observe Dante’s usual attire: an oversized red trench coat, a monstrously large sword that might be too heavy for ordinary individuals, and a pair of handguns named Ebony and Ivory. Being half human and half demon, he has ties to the underworld (a brother named Vergil, another character from Dante’s Inferno) and possesses the power to stand up against the most formidable adversaries. However, instead of utilizing this power for a noble cause, Dante runs a shop specializing in exorcising demons that appears more like a pool hall at a tavern, enjoys ordering pizza, and seems to be a slacker who prefers not to get involved – until the sword is drawn, then it’s all over.

Absolutely, it seems every bit as outrageously epic as you’d imagine. Given the trailer and insights from Devil May Cry showrunner Adi Shankar, I have to say I’m increasingly convinced that the Netflix series could truly capture the over-the-top vibe that defines these games.

Everything we know about Netflix’s Devil May Cry show

Part of what makes the Devil May Cry series so exciting is the team behind it. Showrunner Adi Shankar is also the mastermind behind another of Netflix’s animated shows, Castlevania, which is similarly based on a video game about a man who hunts creatures of the night (vampires, in that instance). It’s hard to understate the glow-up that Castlevania gave its source material, taking a fairly basic game story and structure that the series has used since 1986, and expanding it into a weighty, dramatic, brooding yet funny series which easily stands among the best animated shows Netflix has ever produced.

Shankar’s contribution significantly enhances the appeal of Devil May Cry. In terms of animation, this series is being crafted by Studio Mir, renowned for their work on The Witcher spin-offs like Nightmare of the Wolf and the upcoming Sirens of the Deep. Interestingly, Studio Mir excels at depicting monster hunters battling monsters, a skill perfectly suited to Devil May Cry. In truth, the battles in Nightmare of the Wolf resemble more what one might expect from Devil May Cry than they do The Witcher.

Instead of casually creating another series for Netflix to boost their reputation in mature animation, Shankar and his collaborator Alex Larsen have been dedicatedly working on this project since 2018. Their aim is to produce a unique masterpiece that’s worth the wait.

Shankar assured Tudum, “We’re putting in a tremendous amount of effort because our passion for this franchise runs deep, and we aim to produce something exceptional. It’s not about churning out another animated series; instead, my ambition is to create the best show on Netflix – hands down.

Who voices Dante in the Devil May Cry show?

We’re still waiting to hear about more of the cast for Devil May Cry, but we do know who is voicing Dante as well: Johnny Young Bosch. Bosch is basically show and video game royalty. He was one of the stars of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, where he played the Black Ranger starting in season 2, and has lent his voice talents to hundreds of animated projects and video games, including Bleach, Akira, Trigun, Demon Slayer, and more.

You can feel confident: Dante is under capable care.

Sinister forces are at play at the portal between the human and demon realms. In the middle of it all is Dante, an orphaned demon hunter for hire, unaware that the fate of both worlds hangs around his neck.

Best of all, we know when we’ll be watching it. Devil May Cry releases on Netflix in April 2025. So mark your calendars and get ready for some devil hunting action! And if you want to get a feel for what Devil May Cry is all about before then, there are five video games in the franchise for your to slice your way through. In the words of Shankar, it’s time to “get hyped.”

2024-09-24 18:41