Netflix’s latest anime adaptation of Devil May Cry centers around the iconic character Dante from the popular video game series. Notably, the show also shines a light on Lady, who receives nearly equal screen time and narrative focus alongside Dante. This dual perspective allows viewers to delve deeper into their intertwined backgrounds, enriching the storytelling experience as the series unfolds.
In a recent interview with Game Rant, Scout Taylor-Compton, the actress portraying Lady, expressed her natural affinity for the role. Her pre-existing working relationship with show creator Adi Shankar played a pivotal role in her confidence throughout the production process. Taylor-Compton’s trust in both the material and Shankar’s vision contributed to her performance as Lady in Devil May Cry.
The Rich History of Lady and Dante in Devil May Cry
Lady, originally known as Mary, first appeared in Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening, released in 2005. As a formidable demon hunter, she has consistently proven her prowess against Dante within the game’s narrative. However, the anime introduces a younger version of Lady. Throughout her interactions with Dante, a meaningful connection evolves as they discover their similarities. Taylor-Compton highlighted the challenge of developing their on-screen chemistry, as she and Jonny Yong Bosch, who voices Dante, recorded their lines separately. Nevertheless, her understanding of the material mitigated these challenges, as she explained:
”We record by ourselves, so we don’t record with the other actors. It’s literally me just reading my lines. So I have no idea what the other actors were doing, but I think, more importantly, I understood the material. And, I just understand Adi, so I could read what was going on. And thankfully, Johnny did such an amazing job. We just connected without actually connecting in the room.”
Taylor-Compton’s Approach to Playing Lady
Scout Taylor-Compton has taken on various prominent roles, notably portraying Laurie Strode in Rob Zombie’s reimagined Halloween series. Unlike her preparation for that iconic character, Taylor-Compton chose not to revisit past games or impressions of Lady prior to taking on the role. Her established rapport with Adi Shankar allowed her to portray Lady authentically, without the need for exhaustive research. She remarked:
”I did Halloween and Laurie Strode is such a loved character, so cherished. I went and watched those movies like crazy, and I was like, I have to be like her. That’s something I didn’t do here. I didn’t go and re-watch, or go play the games and listen to her voice. Adi and I have known each other for so long, and I know that this is his love story, this is his dream. So I know that whoever he was going to pick for Lady was the right fit for it.”
The narrative of Devil May Cry compellingly illustrates that Lady stands as Dante’s equal, and it does so with clarity in numerous instances. As viewers look forward to the potential development of their relationship in future seasons, the show promises exciting possibilities.