This week, a new trailer for Netflix’s Devil May Cry anime unveiled that the legendary late voice actor Kevin Conroy will posthumously star in the video game adaptation. This news sparked speculation about the use of AI to recreate Conroy's iconic voice. However, producer Adi Shankar quickly dispelled these rumors via a tweet, confirming that Conroy had recorded his part before his passing in November 2022, and emphasized that "no AI was used."
Shankar praised Conroy's performance, describing it as "amazingly nuanced" and expressed it was "both a pleasure and an honor to work with him." Conroy, celebrated for voicing Bruce Wayne and Batman in numerous animated films and TV shows, takes on the role of VP Baines, a new character introduced in the anime. You can hear Conroy's voiceover at the beginning of the trailer, which you can watch below.
**Dante** voice actor **Johnny Yong Bosch**, who also voiced Nero in the video games, shared his experience working with Conroy, calling it an "honor" and acknowledging Conroy as a "true legend." Bosch noted that their recording sessions occurred a few years ago, highlighting the lengthy process of animation.Back in July 2024, Conroy received acclaim for his posthumous performance in Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part 3. Now, fans have another opportunity to appreciate his work following his untimely death two-and-a-half years ago at the age of 66.
According to Netflix's official synopsis, “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, has an impressive portfolio, including executive producing the 2012 Judge Dredd reboot film Dredd, developing the beloved Castlevania anime, and creating other Netflix series such as The Guardians of Justice and Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon. He is also set to executive produce an adaptation of Assassin’s Creed.
Kevin Conroy in 2021. Photo by Chelsea Guglielmino/[ttpp]Getty Images.The Devil May Cry series will be animated by Studio Mir, a renowned South Korean studio known for their work on The Legend of Korra and X-Men ‘97. The anime is slated for release on Netflix on April 3, 2025.
The topic of generative AI remains highly relevant in the video game and entertainment industries, which have faced significant layoffs in recent years. Generative AI has drawn criticism from fans and creators alike due to ethical concerns, rights issues, and its challenges in creating content that audiences enjoy.
