Our hero, Dante, faces off against a malevolent White Rabbit with a firm purpose. Will he manage to stop its apocalyptic plans? And another question: Will the series live up to its high expectations? Will it satisfy video game fans?
The world of video games has long captivated audiences with its immersive narrative, dynamic characters, and impressive action. Among the titans of the action and adventure genre is Devil May Cry, a franchise celebrated for its elegant combat, captivating storytelling, and a pantheon of unforgettable characters immersed in gothic horror themes. Anticipation has been palpable among both longtime fans and newcomers for the animated adaptation of this beloved series, premiering on Netflix. With the promise of capturing the over-the-top action and supernatural intrigue that define the games, the “Devil May Cry” anime series is ready to unleash its fury on streaming. At the heart of this impending hell is Dante, the charismatic demon hunter, ready to face the forces of darkness once again.
The Gates Open
Starting today, fans can enjoy this adaptation consisting of eight episodes in its first season. This marathon approach allows viewers to fully immerse themselves in the reinvented world of Devil May Cry from day one. The journey to this release has been long for fans, with the first teaser appearing in 2018, followed by the first full trailer in 2023. This extended period of anticipation has only amplified the excitement surrounding the series’ arrival.
A New Diabolical Plot Unfolds
The core of Netflix’s “Devil May Cry” revolves around a classic struggle: sinister forces are working to tear down the barrier between the human and demonic realms. Dante, an orphaned demon hunter for hire, confronts this imminent demonic invasion. Unknowingly, he plays a crucial role in preventing this catastrophic event that threatens both worlds. Adding another layer of conflict is Mary, also known as Lady, a soldier who crosses Dante’s path.
This animated adaptation takes a bold step by reimagining the Devil May Cry universe within an alternate timeline, a decision confirmed by the series creator, Adi Shankar. This allows for new narratives and the introduction of new elements, particularly the White Rabbit. This enigmatic figure is the main antagonist of the first season and is a character previously only seen in the unfinished Devil May Cry manga. By delving into this relatively obscure manga story, the anime might offer new perspectives on the broader game canon, though it exists within its own continuity.
This choice to deviate from the established game timeline provides creative flexibility for the showrunners but also presents a potential point of contention for fans deeply invested in the original lore. The focus on the White Rabbit, a villain from a less conventional source, could be seen as either an innovative approach or a departure from more recognizable antagonists.
Meet the Cast: The Voices Behind the Chaos
A talented voice cast brings the iconic Devil May Cry characters to life. Leading the way is Johnny Yong Bosch, who voices Dante. Bosch is no stranger to the franchise, having previously voiced Nero in several Devil May Cry games. His return to the Devil May Cry universe in the role of its central protagonist is a significant point that will likely resonate positively with longtime fans.
Alongside him will be Scout Taylor-Compton (“Halloween,” “Charmed”) as Mary, also known as Lady. The mysterious antagonist, the White Rabbit, will be voiced by Hoon Lee (“Monkey King,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Origins”). Chris Coppola (“Friday the 13th,” “Beowulf”) will voice the peculiar information broker Enzo Ferino.
In a touching posthumous role, the late Kevin Conroy, the legendary voice of Batman, will portray Vice President Baines, a new character created specifically for the anime. This will be one of Conroy’s final performances, adding an emotional layer of significance for his fans. Finally, Robbie Daymond voices Dante’s twin brother, Vergil, who is equally stylish and melancholic.
The casting of these actors, many with previous experience in anime and western animation, suggests a deliberate effort to blend different vocal styles and sensibilities to better capture the essence of the Devil May Cry universe. The inclusion of a franchise veteran like Johnny Yong Bosch in the lead role, along with the esteemed Kevin Conroy in a final performance, creates a compelling combination that has generated considerable interest.
The Team Forging Hell: Production Team
The creation of the Devil May Cry anime series is headed by an expert production team. The visionary behind this adaptation is Adi Shankar, who serves as creator and showrunner. Shankar is known for his work on other successful video game adaptations for Netflix, such as “Castlevania” and “Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix.” His experience in translating the essence of video game franchises into engaging animated series raises expectations for “Devil May Cry.”
The series’ animation is handled by renowned South Korean studio Mir. Studio Mir has been critically acclaimed for its work on visually impressive and action-packed animation projects like “The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf,” “Dota: Dragon’s Blood,” and “The Legend of Korra.”
The writing team includes Alex Larsen, who wrote the television script based on a story by Adi Shankar and himself. The executive producers of the series are Adi Shankar and Haruhiro Tsujimoto.
The Credits Song: “Rollin'” by Limp Bizkit
To add a nostalgic touch to the adaptation, the opening credits sequence revealed in January 2025 includes the iconic song “Rollin'” by Limp Bizkit. This musical choice immediately evokes the 2000s era, when the “Devil May Cry” franchise first gained popularity. The soundtrack will also include contributions from other prominent rock bands of that era, such as Evanescence and Papa Roach.
The selection of nu-metal bands for the soundtrack serves as a deliberate throwback to the original era of the game, aiming to resonate with longtime fans through a shared cultural touchstone. The opening credits sequence, in particular, has drawn attention for its stylistic choices and nostalgic appeal.
Echoes of the Past: Connecting with the Devil May Cry Legacy
The Netflix series aims to capture the essence that has made the Devil May Cry franchise so enduring. Fans can expect to see iconic characters such as Dante, Lady, and glimpses of Sparda and Vergil. Dante’s skills with sword and guns are certainly on full display, accompanied by the over-the-top action and elegant combat for which the series is known. The fundamental themes of demon hunting and the ongoing conflict between the human and demonic worlds are also central to the narrative. Additionally, the inclusion of familiar musical themes and aesthetic elements will serve as a direct link to the beloved video games.
It’s crucial to remember that this adaptation exists within an alternative timeline and doesn’t directly follow the plot of any specific game in the series. A significant divergence is the prominent role of the White Rabbit, a character drawn from the manga. The series also allows for deeper exploration of Dante’s early years, exploring events that even precede the first games in the franchise.
Creator Adi Shankar has described this series as part of a “bootleg multiverse” shared with his adaptations of “Castlevania,” “Castlevania: Nocturne,” and “Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix.” Despite this shared universe concept, Shankar has clarified that there will be no direct narrative connections between Devil May Cry and Castlevania. Thus, the series aims to find a balance between honoring the Devil May Cry legacy and forging its own distinctive identity through narrative deviations and the introduction of less familiar elements.
Will There Be More Seasons?
For fans of the franchise, the Netflix series offers a new way to experience the beloved world of Devil May Cry. The animated format could make the intricate lore and action more accessible to a broader audience unfamiliar with the games. Additionally, the alternative timeline and focus on different stories and characters, such as the White Rabbit, promise to expand the Devil May Cry universe and provide fresh content for longtime enthusiasts.
Anticipation for future seasons is already growing, with Adi Shankar hinting at the possibility of multiple installments, each potentially exploring different facets of Devil May Cry’s rich mythology. The series promises not only to entertain existing fans but also to introduce a new generation to the stylish, action-packed world of demon hunting.
Our Opinion
And yes, we’ve already seen it, and the series doesn’t disappoint on the technical side: lots of action and excellent work from the Korean animation company Mir. Will it please everyone? It has the potential to do so, but we fear that the series, while fun, lacks the breakneck pace of the video game and the strength of its sparkling, witty dialogues. It’s an entertaining series, but without that eccentric and “crazy” touch that characterized the video game and captivated its fans.
A highly anticipated adaptation that, nevertheless, left us with one phrase: we expected more from it.
Where to Watch “Devil May Cry”
