Devil May Cry Anime Producer Confirms Kevin Conroy Was Recorded Before He Passed Away: ‘No AI Used’

This week, the newly released trailer for Netflix's Devil May Cry anime has brought exciting news for fans, revealing that the legendary late voice actor Kevin Conroy will posthumously star in the video game adaptation. Amid speculation about the use of AI to recreate Conroy's iconic voice, the anime's producer, Adi Shankar, swiftly clarified the situation via a tweet, confirming that Conroy's recordings were completed before his passing in November 2022 and that "no AI was used."

Shankar praised Conroy’s performance, describing it as "amazingly nuanced," and expressed the honor and pleasure of working with him. Conroy, widely celebrated for voicing Bruce Wayne and Batman in numerous animated projects, takes on the role of VP Baines in Devil May Cry. His voice can be heard in the trailer's opening, offering fans a poignant reminder of his talent.

Johnny Yong Bosch, who voices Dante and previously played Nero in the video games, also shared his admiration for Conroy. Bosch highlighted the honor of working with him and reminisced about the impact of Batman: The Animated Series on his own career. He clarified that their recording sessions occurred a few years ago, underscoring the lengthy process of animation production.

Conroy's posthumous work continues to resonate with audiences, having been acclaimed for his performance in Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part 3 in July 2024. Now, with Devil May Cry, fans have another opportunity to appreciate his contributions following his untimely death at age 66.

The official synopsis from Netflix sets the stage for the series, detailing a plot where sinister forces aim to open a portal between the human and demon realms, with Dante, an orphaned demon-hunter-for-hire, unwittingly central to the unfolding events.

Adi Shankar, who also serves as the showrunner, brings his extensive experience to the project. Known for his work on the Judge Dredd reboot, Castlevania, The Guardians of Justice, and Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon, Shankar is also set to executive produce an adaptation of Assassin’s Creed. The series will be produced by Studio Mir, a renowned South Korean studio with a portfolio including The Legend of Korra and X-Men ‘97. Devil May Cry is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on April 3, 2025.

The topic of generative AI remains a hot button issue within the entertainment and video game industries, which have seen significant layoffs in recent years. AI's application has sparked debates over ethical concerns, rights issues, and its ability to produce content that resonates with audiences.

Kevin Conroy in 2021. Photo by Chelsea Guglielmino/Getty Images.