Netflix is set to send shockwaves through the gaming and anime communities with the announcement of a brand-new Devil May Cry anime, based on Capcom’s beloved video game franchise. The news came as part of Netflix’s “Drop One” round of reveals, featuring sneak peeks at several exciting anime titles in the pipeline, including the highly anticipated Castlevania: Nocturne.
A Surprise Announcement
While Devil May Cry was conspicuously absent from last week’s “Drop One” preview trailer, which generated massive excitement for the likes of the Scott Pilgrim anime and Naoki Urasawa’s Pluto adaptation, it was Netflix’s way of saving the best for last.
The teaser trailer confirmed that this new Devil May Cry anime is a collaborative effort between Capcom and Studio MIR, the Korean animation studio renowned for its work on Tae Joon Park’s LOOKISM. Adding to the excitement, Castlevania executive producer Adi Shankar is credited as the creator of this upcoming anime.
A Long-Awaited Project
This announcement has been years in the making. Adi Shankar initially teased a collaboration with “an iconic Japanese gaming company” to adapt one of their iconic video game series for Netflix back in October 2018. By November of that year, it was confirmed that the project in question was none other than Devil May Cry.
Over the following years, Shankar dropped tantalizing hints about the series, revealing that it’s slated to run for five seasons, with the first season comprising eight episodes. Fans can also anticipate an exciting crossover with Castlevania at some point during its run.
In an interview with IGN Japan, Shankar disclosed that the series would center around fan-favorite characters Dante and Vergil. The scripts for the first season have been crafted in collaboration with writer Alex Larsen, known for his work on Yasuke.
Shankar also had the privilege of working alongside veteran Capcom producer Hiroyuki Kobayashi, who played pivotal roles in the development of the Devil May Cry and Resident Evil games, as well as the earlier Devil May Cry anime adaptation produced by Madhouse.
The Devil May Cry Legacy
For those unfamiliar with the Devil May Cry universe, it’s an action-adventure franchise originally conceived by Hideki Kamiya. The series introduces players to Dante, a charismatic demon hunter known for thwarting various demonic invasions.
The franchise made its debut in August 2001, with the titular first title. Since then, it has spawned numerous sequels in 2003, 2005, 2008, and most recently in 2020. Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening (2005) is frequently cited as one of the greatest games of all time.
Devil May Cry’s allure extends beyond gaming, with a rich tapestry of manga, comics, and novelizations woven around the franchise. Fans also fondly remember the original anime adaptation, which ran for 12 episodes from June to September 2007.
Conclusion
With Netflix’s announcement of a new Devil May Cry anime, the gaming and anime communities are on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the demon-slaying adventures of Dante and Vergil. As the series unfolds, it promises to bring the beloved video game franchise to life in a thrilling new way. Stay tuned for updates on production and release dates as this exciting project continues to take shape.
