The History Of Netflix's Devil May Cry

A Video Game Inspired By Literature

Devil May Cry is a renowned action-adventure video game developed by Capcom, first released in 2001. The game has since spawned a successful franchise known for its fast-paced combat, intricate storytelling, and charismatic characters. What separates Devil May Cry is its unique inspiration from classic literature, specifically the Italian poem Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri. This connection is woven throughout the game's narrative, characters, and themes, creating a rich tapestry of allusions that enhances the player's experience.

The Divine Comedy Connection & Character Allusions

Devil May Cry draws loosely from the Divine Comedy, using allusions to enrich its story. The game's protagonist, Dante, is named after the author Dante Alighieri. Dante’s journey in the game mirrors that of the poet through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven, though with a more contemporary and action-focused twist.

Several characters in Devil May Cry are also directly inspired by figures from the Divine Comedy. Trish, for example, is named after Beatrice Portinari, Dante Alighieri’s muse and guide through Heaven. Trish serves as a critical ally to Dante in the game, embodying the same guiding and supportive role as Beatrice did in the poem.

Vergil, Dante's brother in the game, is named after the Roman poet Virgil, who serves as Dante Alighieri’s guide through Hell. In Devil May Cry, Vergil's character is complex and multifaceted.

Netflix’s Devil May Cry Is a Nostalgic Revival

On April 3rd, 2025, Netflix dropped the eagerly anticipated Devil May Cry anime, bringing a beloved video game franchise to life with a rugged, metal-infused, chaotic, and yet charismatic atmosphere. Music from Limp Bizkit, Papa Roach, and Rage Against the Machine is a brilliant nod to an era when the Devil May Cry games first gained popularity. These bands are synonymous with the gritty, rebellious spirit of the early 2000s, perfectly complementing the anime's vibe, enhancing the nostalgic experience for long-time fans.

An All-Star Voice Cast

Johnny Yong Bosch, renowned for voicing Nero in the video games, takes on the role of Dante in the anime. Bosch is a familiar name in the world of voice acting, known for his performances as Vash the Stampede in Trigun, Ichigo Kurosaki in Bleach, and Jonathan Joestar in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. While some fans have mixed feelings about Bosch voicing Dante instead of the original actor, his portrayal of the charismatic, smart-ass half-demon captures the essence of the character remarkably well. Then we have Scout Taylor-Compton, who plays Lady AKA, also known as Mary Ann Arkham, who is known for many roles in the horror genre, such as Laurie Strode in the 2007 remake of Halloween and its 2009 sequel. Though there have been mixed reactions, the consensus is that she brings our beloved "Lady" Arkham to life quite well, even if the character made me mad quite a few times.

A Blend of Lore and Originality

Although the anime vaguely follows the franchise's established lore (even using plot points from Ninja Theories' infamous DMC game), the writers have skillfully balanced familiar elements with their creative take. The white rabbit character often serves as both a rival and an ally to Dante, reflecting the intricate relationship between Dante Alighieri and Virgil in the Divine Comedy.

Symbolism & Themes

The game employs symbolism and themes from the Divine Comedy to create a deeper and meaningful narrative. The struggle between good and evil, the journey of redemption, and the exploration of the human soul are central motifs. The environments in Devil May Cry reflect the infernal and celestial realms described in the Divine Comedy, with dark, hellish landscapes and ethereal, heavenly settings. The game puts the player in the front seat, driving a fulfilling story of good and evil, love and hate, and sacrifice and loss.

Origins as Resident Evil 4

Interestingly enough, Devil May Cry was originally conceived by Capcom developers as Resident Evil 4. During the development process, the team explored various ideas and prototypes that eventually diverged significantly from the Resident Evil series' survival horror roots. The concept evolved into a more dynamic and action-oriented gameplay, leading to the creation of Devil May Cry. Imagine playing Dante instead of Leon, fighting The Umbrella Corporation's monstrosities. Hahaha!

Impact on Gaming

Devil May Cry set new standards for action-adventure games, introducing mechanics and design elements that have influenced numerous titles since. Its success paved the way for sequels and spin-offs, solidifying its place as a cornerstone franchise for Capcom. The game's innovative approach to combat, combined with its literary inspiration, has left a lasting legacy in the gaming industry.