Netflix’s DmC: 8 Biggest Changes From The Games

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Summary

  • Netflix’s new show takes creative liberties separate from the video games, introducing original elements in the process.
  • It features an entirely new voice cast despite the games having established game actors, which caused a divide among fans.
  • Political themes and unique character changes add depth but stray from the traditional Devil May Cry narrative.

As a die-hard film aficionado with a soft spot for the Devil May Cry series, I’m thrilled to share that the freshly released animated show based on Capcom’s iconic hack-and-slash game franchise is now streaming on Netflix. Longtime fans have quickly picked up on Adi Shankar’s intriguing and eccentric creative twists, a trait that aligns perfectly with his earlier promises about this adaptation being set in an entirely new timeline, distinct from the video games, as part of his “Bootleg Universe.

In essence, this new TV series remains true to significant aspects from the original games such as Dante, Vergil, Mundus, Devil Trigger, and so forth. However, it also brings in entirely fresh elements that are likely to stir up mixed feelings among dedicated fans of Devil May Cry. Here are some alterations that stand out as the most contentious examples of this approach.

Warning! Spoilers Ahead!

1. An Entirely New Voice Cast

The Classic Voice Actors From The Games Didn’t Return (With One Odd Exception)

As a dedicated cinephile and avid fan of the Devil May Cry series, I must say that the mainline games boast an outstanding English dub. Talented voice actors like Reuben Langdon (Dante), Kate Higgins (Lady), and Daniel Southworth (Vergil) have graced our ears with their exceptional performances, repeatedly returning to these roles. These voices are not confined to the gaming world; for instance, Reuben Langdon voiced Dante in the English dub of the 2007 anime, Devil May Cry: The Animated Series.

Despite choosing to replace every voice actor for the revamped Devil May Cry animated series, Netflix and Adi Shankar have managed to assemble a talented new cast whose performances are impressive, but may seem peculiar to longtime fans who were accustomed to the original character voices. The most perplexing aspect of this recasting is that Johnny Yong Bosch, the voice actor for Dante in the series, also lends his voice to Nero in Devil May Cry 4 and Devil May Cry 5, making the main character sound strikingly similar to his game nephew.

2. Lady’s Character Is Very Different

She Has A Similar Backstory And A Completely New Personality

In the game Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening, the character known as Lady was initially portrayed as a stern, tough-minded woman with a deep grudge against her father, Arkham, for killing her mother in the past. However, after crossing paths with Dante, she comes to understand that not all demons are inherently wicked, and she transforms into a more laid-back character in subsequent installments of the series. The Lady depicted in the Netflix adaptation retains her distinctive fighting style and much of her backstory, but there are significant differences in many other aspects.

In the series, a character named Mary Ann Arkham works for an organization called DARKCOM rather than operating independently. Despite crossing paths with Dante, she continues to harbor deep-seated resentment towards demons. Though she undergoes a transformation throughout the storyline, she remains distrustful of him by the end of the season. It’s interesting to note that while her history mirrors the game’s version, she is referred to as “Lady” in the series, with Dante using this name because he doesn’t know her real one. In contrast, in the game, she deliberately rejects her original name out of hatred for Arkham.

3. Many Bosses Appear At The Same Time

Agni, Rudra, Echidna, And Cavaliere Angelo Are All Fighting Together

The Devil May Cry series is renowned for its thrilling battles against formidable and powerful demons as bosses. Each installment in the primary series boasts an array of demonic bosses that leave a lasting impression, and they seldom return in later games (with some exceptions like Phantom from the original Devil May Cry).

In the latest Netflix series, it seems the creators didn’t bother with maintaining that particular divide between game characters. Instead, they brought together famous bosses from various games, who served as minions for the White Rabbit. These include Plasma from Devil May Cry 1, Agni and Rudra from Devil May Cry 3, Echidna from Devil May Cry 4, and Cavaliere Angelo from Devil May Cry 5. Unfortunately, they all meet their end in the series, making it highly doubtful they’ll reappear to resume their original roles if there’s a new season. However, this crossover was just a fun nod to fans by creator Adi Shankar, and it did lead to some thrilling fight scenes featuring Dante and Lady against these iconic bosses.

4. Agni And Rudra Have Heads

This Iconic Boss Duo Lost Their Most Distinctive Feature

In Netflix’s Devil May Cry, almost every demon boss resembles their original game versions with one significant difference. The twin brothers Agni and Rudra from Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening, unlike before where their heads were located in the pommels of their swords, now have full bodies with their heads attached.

In this unusual and unanticipated artistic decision, the characters from the original games appear drastically altered in the new series, setting them apart. Fans had hoped for a reason behind their headless appearances and sword replacements, but no such explanation was provided. This was particularly surprising given that both Agni and Rudra are deceased by the season’s end.

5. The White Rabbit’s Real Identity

This Main Villain Of The Netflix Show Is A Fully Original Character

Most Devil May Cry fans might not realize it, but there exists a manga titled “Devil May Cry 3” that introduced a character called the White Rabbit. This villainous demon shares a connection with a young girl named Alice. Interestingly, this White Rabbit is actually one of the disguises used by the main game antagonist, Arkham, to control the Sons of Sparda. Although the White Rabbit himself doesn’t show up in any video games, the manga that birthed him is considered part of the original Devil May Cry series’ timeline.

Due to this twist, many viewers believed that the malevolent character in the Netflix show would be the White Rabbit, hinting at Arkham as well. However, they were proven wrong as the revamped character is a human who resided in the Demon World for a long time. His transformation into evil occurred after DARKCOM callously exterminated the innocent Makaians refugees he was attempting to save. This new portrayal of the White Rabbit is certainly intriguing, and it’s quite distinct from his initial characterization.

6. Makai Is An Entirely New Concept

The Demon World Wasn’t Really Explored Very Much In The Games

In the popular series, Devil May Cry, the ominous realm known as the Demon World, frequently referred to as Hell, plays a significant role, being the origin of all demons, such as Mundus and Sparda. However, despite its pivotal position, the Demon World is infrequently featured in the games, serving primarily as a setting for certain levels, boss battles, and cinematic scenes. Consequently, there’s limited information available about this location, including details about its society, leadership structure, or geography.

Adi Shankar didn’t let traditional depictions deter him from introducing a fresh take on the concept in his new animated series. In this unique rendition, the Demon World is referred to as Makai. Unlike the games that typically show the inhabitants of this world as bloodthirsty demons, Mundus dominates here, but he also enslaves an innocent tribe who can’t even breathe due to the toxic air in his domain. This contrasts sharply with the video game portrayals where the Demon World inhabitants are always depicted as bloodthirsty demons.

7. The Show Features Heavy Political Themes

Politics Has Never Really Been A Part Of The Mainline Devil May Cry Franchise

The Devil May Cry series primarily focuses on character development rather than political themes, with no apparent involvement or representation of the U.S. government in any of the games. However, Ninja Theory’s reboot, DmC: Devil May Cry, is known for delving into concepts like capitalism, corruption, and greed, albeit with mixed results, but it exists in a distinct universe from the original series.

The Netflix series centers heavily around political themes, with William Baines, a fictional American vice president and head of an anti-demon organization known as DARKCOM, serving as one of the main villains. Moreover, the Makaians are portrayed as political refugees, and the season finale involves the sudden U.S. invasion of their home world, leading to the capture of its inhabitants and exploitation of resources. While these aspects enrich the storyline, they may seem somewhat unconventional for a Devil May Cry production.

8. Vergil Is Loyal To Mundus

What Role Will Dante’s Twin Brother Have In Future Seasons?

In the acclaimed video game series, Vergil, is renowned as a memorable and identifiable adversary. His allure stems from his stylish appearance, frosty demeanor, and heartrending past. Throughout most of his adulthood, he sought methods to amplify his power, leading to a fatal confrontation with his brother in Devil May Cry 3. Following a devastating loss, he was exiled to the Demon Realm, where Mundus seized him, manipulated his mind, and transformed him into a new demon known as Nelo Angelo.

It’s no shocker that Vergil showed up in the latest Netflix animated series, and his character deviated significantly from his game version. In the opening scene, he donned the Nelo Angelo armor, signifying he had fought Mundus in the Demon World before ever crossing paths with Dante after their mother’s passing. To add to the differences, in the final episode, Vergil liberated some Makaians held captive by Uroboros Corp and professed his allegiance to King Mundus. He even removed his armor without any assistance, which raised questions about whether Mundus had brainwashed him or not. However, it wasn’t apparent that he was brainwashed. The fate of Vergil’s loyalty will likely be explored in a potential second season if Netflix chooses to renew the show.

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2025-04-05 01:07