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. The revelation sparked speculation about whether artificial intelligence (AI) was used to recreate Conroy's iconic voice. However, the anime's producer, Adi Shankar, has put those rumors to rest.
In a tweet, Shankar confirmed that Conroy was recorded before his passing in November 2022, and emphasized, "no AI used." He praised Conroy's performance, stating, "Mr. Conroy gave it 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 films and TV shows over the years, will be heard as VP Baines, a new character featured in the trailer's opening voiceover.
Johnny Yong Bosch, who voices Dante and previously played Nero in the video games, expressed his admiration for 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 voice work was previously acclaimed in Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part 3 back in July 2024. Now, fans have another opportunity to experience his talent following his untimely passing at the age of 66, two-and-a-half years ago.
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 for the series, is well-known for his work as an executive producer on 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/Getty Images.The series is being produced by Studio Mir, a renowned South Korean studio known for their work on projects like The Legend of Korra and X-Men ‘97. Devil May Cry is slated for release on Netflix on April 3, 2025.
The topic of generative AI remains a hot-button issue within the video game and entertainment industries, both of which have faced significant layoffs in recent years. Generative AI has faced criticism from fans and creators alike due to ethical concerns, rights issues, and its challenges in producing content that resonates with audiences.
