Devil May Cry Anime on Netflix: Everything to Expect (So Far)
The stylish demon hunter Dante is finally getting the anime treatment he deserves. Announced back in 2018, the Devil May Cry animated series, produced by Adi Shankar (of Castlevania fame) for Netflix, has been shrouded in a mix of hype and cautious optimism. While a release date remains elusive, we’ve gathered all the available information to piece together what fans can expect from this highly anticipated adaptation.
The Core Team and Vision:
- Adi Shankar as Producer: The driving force behind Netflix’s acclaimed Castlevania series, Shankar’s involvement immediately lends credibility. He’s known for a respect for source material, blending brutal action with nuanced character development, and a distinctive art style. He’s been very vocal about his love for Devil May Cry, promising a faithful adaptation that will appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers.
- Studio Mir (Rumored): While not officially confirmed, Studio Mir, known for their work on The Legend of Korra, Voltron: Legendary Defender, and DOTA: Dragon’s Blood, has been heavily linked to the project. Their expertise in dynamic action sequences and expressive character animation would be a perfect fit for Devil May Cry‘s over-the-top combat and flamboyant characters.
- Alex Larsen as Writer: Larsen, who also wrote for Netflix’s Yasuke, is reportedly on board as the series writer. This suggests a focus on strong narrative and character arcs, alongside the expected action spectacle.
- Capcom’s Involvement: Capcom, the creators of the Devil May Cry franchise, are reportedly involved in a supervisory capacity. This hopefully ensures that the anime stays true to the games’ lore, tone, and overall spirit.
Story and Characters – What We Know and What We Can Speculate:
The exact plot details are still under wraps, but we can make some educated guesses based on Shankar’s comments and the established Devil May Cry universe:
- Dante’s Confirmed Presence: Of course, the series will center around Dante, the half-demon son of the legendary dark knight Sparda. Expect his signature cocky attitude, red coat, and dual pistols (Ebony & Ivory) and sword (Rebellion) to be front and center.
- Vergil is Confirmed: The biggest news revealed, is that Vergil, Dante’s twin brother, is confirmed to be in the series. This is big news for the series, suggesting that the brother’s complicated relationship will be a focus of the series.
- Lady and Trish are confirmed: Two of the most iconic female characters from the games, Lady (a skilled human demon hunter) and Trish (a demon created in the image of Dante’s mother), will be featured. Their dynamic with Dante, often a mix of rivalry and begrudging respect, is a core element of the franchise.
- Exploring Dante’s Backstory?: The anime could potentially delve deeper into Dante’s past, exploring his relationship with his mother Eva, his father Sparda’s rebellion against Mundus, and the events that shaped him into the demon hunter he is. This would be a welcome addition, providing more context for his character and motivations.
- Adaptation vs. Original Story: It’s unclear whether the anime will directly adapt specific games or tell a completely original story within the Devil May Cry universe. Shankar has hinted at a “multi-season arc,” suggesting a potentially broader scope than a single game’s plot. The most likely scenario is a blend of both – drawing inspiration from the games’ lore and characters while crafting a unique narrative.
- Potential for Other Characters: While not confirmed, it’s possible we could see other familiar faces from the games, such as Nero (from Devil May Cry 4 and 5), or even enemies like Mundus or recurring demons.
- Tone and Style:
Expect a mature tone similar to Netflix’s Castlevania, not holding back the punches.
Visual Style and Animation:
- 2D Animation (Likely): Given Studio Mir’s expertise and the style of Shankar’s previous projects, it’s highly probable that the Devil May Cry anime will be 2D animated.
- Stylish and Dynamic: The Devil May Cry games are renowned for their “Stylish Action” combat system, rewarding players for pulling off creative and visually impressive combos. The anime will need to capture this fluidity and flair, showcasing Dante’s acrobatic moves and weapon mastery.
- Gothic and Dark Aesthetic: The Devil May Cry universe is steeped in gothic imagery, demonic architecture, and a dark, brooding atmosphere. The anime will likely embrace this aesthetic, creating a visually striking and immersive world.
- Character Design: Expect faithful renditions of Dante, Vergil, Lady, and Trish, likely with some subtle updates to fit the anime format. The demon designs will be crucial, needing to be both terrifying and visually interesting.
Music and Sound Design:
- Rock and Metal Influences: The Devil May Cry games are famous for their adrenaline-pumping soundtracks, blending heavy metal, industrial rock, and electronic elements. The anime will hopefully follow suit, featuring a high-energy score that complements the action sequences.
- Iconic Sound Effects: The distinctive sounds of Dante’s weapons, from the rapid-fire shots of Ebony & Ivory to the weighty clang of Rebellion, are ingrained in the minds of fans. The anime needs to nail these sound effects to truly capture the feel of the games.
- English Dub and Possibly a Japanese Dub: Considering the history of Netflix’s anime, there would definitely be an English dub. The original voice actors will be returning to the role. There’s a good chance that there would be a Japanese dub.
Release Date and Expectations:
- No Official Release Date Yet: Unfortunately, there is still no confirmed release date for the Devil May Cry anime. The project has been in development for several years, and updates have been sporadic.
- High Expectations: Given the popularity of the Devil May Cry franchise, Adi Shankar’s track record, and the potential of Studio Mir, expectations for the anime are understandably high. Fans are hoping for a faithful, action-packed, and visually stunning adaptation that captures the essence of the games.
- Potential for a “Bootleg Universe”: While the anime will follow the Devil May Cry cannon, it will be part of Shankar’s “Bootleg Universe”. This means it will be in the same multiverse as Castlevania, and other possible projects.
In conclusion, the Devil May Cry anime on Netflix has the potential to be a major hit. With a strong creative team, a beloved source material, and a commitment to stylish action and compelling storytelling, it could be the definitive adaptation that fans have been waiting for. While patience is still required, the pieces are in place for a truly Smokin’ Sick Style! experience.