Kevin Conroy's DMC Anime Role: No AI, Producer Confirms

This week, a new trailer for Netflix's Devil May Cry anime revealed the late, legendary Kevin Conroy will posthumously star in the video game adaptation. This prompted questions about the use of AI to recreate Conroy's iconic voice. However, producer Adi Shankar confirmed on Twitter that Conroy's performance was recorded before his passing in November 2022, emphasizing that "no AI was used." Shankar lauded Conroy's "amazingly nuanced performance," calling it a "pleasure and an honor" to work with him.

Conroy, celebrated for his long-standing portrayal of Bruce Wayne/Batman in numerous animated films and TV shows, voices the new character VP Baines in the Devil May Cry anime. His voiceover can be heard at the beginning of the trailer.

Dante's voice actor, Johnny Yong Bosch (who also played Nero in the video games), echoed Shankar's sentiments, stating, "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 performance follows his acclaimed work in Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part 3 (July 2024). This new role offers fans another opportunity to appreciate his talent following his passing two-and-a-half years ago at age 66.

Netflix's synopsis describes the series: "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."

Shankar, also the showrunner, is known for his work on Dredd (2012), the Castlevania anime, and Netflix series like The Guardians of Justice and Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon. He's also set to executive produce an Assassin's Creed adaptation.

The use of generative AI remains a hot topic in the video game and entertainment industries, both of which have experienced significant layoffs in recent years. AI has faced criticism from fans and creators alike due to ethical concerns, rights issues, and its struggles to produce consistently enjoyable content.