This week, the excitement surrounding Netflix's upcoming Devil May Cry anime surged with the release of a new trailer, revealing that the legendary late voice actor Kevin Conroy will posthumously star in this video game adaptation. This announcement sparked curiosity among fans about whether AI technology was utilized to recreate Conroy’s iconic voice. However, the anime's producer, Adi Shankar, quickly dispelled these speculations via a tweet, confirming that Conroy had recorded his part before his passing in November 2022 and that "no AI was used."
Shankar expressed his admiration for Conroy's performance, stating, "Mr. Conroy gave it an amazingly nuanced performance. It was both a pleasure and an honor to work with him." Conroy, celebrated for voicing Bruce Wayne and Batman in numerous animated projects over the years, takes on the role of VP Baines in Devil May Cry. His voice can be heard in the trailer's opening, introducing fans to this new character.
Johnny Yong Bosch, who voices Dante and previously played Nero in the video games, shared his experience working with Conroy, saying, "It was an honor to work alongside Kevin Conroy for the upcoming DMC series. A true legend. *Batman: The Animated Series* redefined cartoons for me. For those wondering, our recording sessions took place a few years ago—animation takes quite some time to complete."Conroy's posthumous contributions continue to be recognized, following his acclaimed performance in Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part 3 back in July 2024. Now, fans have another opportunity to appreciate his talent after his untimely death at the age of 66, two-and-a-half years ago.
The official synopsis from Netflix sets the stage for Devil May Cry, stating, "Sinister forces are at play to open 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."
Adi Shankar, who also serves as the showrunner, brings a wealth of experience to the project. Known for his work as an executive producer on the 2012 Dredd film, developing the beloved Castlevania anime, and creating series like The Guardians of Justice and Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon for Netflix, Shankar is also set to executive produce an adaptation of Assassin’s Creed.
Kevin Conroy in 2021. Photo by Chelsea Guglielmino/Getty Images.The production of Devil May Cry is in the capable hands of Studio Mir, a renowned South Korean studio known for their work on The Legend of Korra and X-Men ‘97. The series is scheduled to debut on Netflix on April 3, 2025.
In the broader context, generative AI remains a contentious topic within the video game and entertainment industries, which have faced significant layoffs in recent years. The technology has drawn criticism for ethical and rights issues, as well as its challenges in producing content that resonates with audiences.
