Netflix’s latest anime series, Devil May Cry, follows the thrilling adventures of Dante and Lady, two demon hunters with contrasting backgrounds and goals. Fans of the original game series will appreciate the show’s unique blend of stylish animation, intense violence, and a dynamic early 2000s Nu-Metal soundtrack. The narrative explores the rich origins of both protagonists, adding depth to their characters.
In a recent discussion with Game Rant, Adi Shankar, the visionary creator behind Devil May Cry, and actress Scout Taylor-Compton, who portrays Lady, shared insights into their creative process. They reflected on how to engage both dedicated fans and newcomers while revealing the inherent complexities of Lady’s character, which Taylor-Compton found to resonate deeply with her own experience. This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
Striking a Balance: Appealing to Long-Time Fans and Newcomers
Q: The Devil May Cry franchise boasts a loyal fan base spanning many years. How does this series cater to both seasoned fans and newcomers while staying true to the core themes of the franchise?
Shankar: My ambition from the start was to achieve precisely that. Creating an experience that resonates with both long-time fans and new viewers is like an exercise in alchemy. While the fan base is passionate, it is also somewhat fractured, influenced by various games and iterations over the years. This project has been about harmonizing those different elements into a cohesive narrative.
I refer to the process as ‘cosmic editing.’ It involves utilizing insights gained from 24 years’ worth of material through retconning while respecting the original content without drastic alterations. Unlike some of my other projects where I’ve redefined established narratives, here my aim was to uncover the foundational structure that has always existed.
Evolution of Dante and Lady’s Relationship Throughout the Series
Q: Lady’s interactions with Dante are intricate and often fraught with tension. How has this dynamic developed as the series unfolds?
Taylor-Compton: I wish I could have collaborated with Jonny (Yong Bosch) during the recording sessions to share perspectives on our characters’ interactions. Due to the nature of our recording process, I performed my lines solo, unaware of the other actors’ performances. However, my understanding of the material, coupled with Adi’s directorial vision, helped me connect with the essence of the storyline. Jonny’s performance was stellar, and this connection translated well despite us not recording together.
A Closer Look at Lady’s Character
Shankar: It’s important to note that our version of Lady is greatly influenced by the dynamic Scout and I shared in a previous film. Essentially, Lady embodies aspects of Scout’s persona. This character is a younger iteration of the Lady from the Devil May Cry games, yet we haven’t seen her portrayed at this age before.
Taylor-Compton: In my portrayal of Laurie Strode in Halloween, I felt immense pressure to embody such a beloved character. Conversely, with Lady, I refrained from revisiting the games or the original character’s voice. My long-standing friendship with Adi allowed for a trust in his vision for this project. When he cast me as Lady, I felt confident that I could portray her essence with authenticity and strength. This experience was liberating, as I had complete faith in both myself and the direction we were taking.
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