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

This week, a new trailer for Netflix's Devil May Cry anime revealed the legendary late voice actor Kevin Conroy will posthumously star in the video game adaptation. This led some to speculate whether AI had been used to recreate Conroy's iconic voice. However, the anime's producer, Adi Shankar, has confirmed that no AI was involved.

In a tweet, Shankar clarified that Conroy was recorded before his passing in November 2022, emphasizing, "no AI used." He further praised Conroy's performance, stating, "Mr. Conroy gave an amazingly nuanced performance. It was both a pleasure and an honor to work with him."

Conroy, celebrated as the longtime voice of Bruce Wayne and Batman in numerous animated films and TV shows, takes on the role of VP Baines in the Devil May Cry anime. This new character can be heard in the voiceover at the beginning of the trailer.

Conroy's posthumous voice performance was previously praised in July 2024 for Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part 3. Now, fans have another opportunity to experience his work following his passing at the age of 66 two-and-a-half years ago.

According to Netflix's official synopsis, "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."

Adi Shankar, who also serves as the showrunner, is known for his work on the 2012 Judge Dredd reboot film Dredd, developing the beloved Castlevania anime, and creating Netflix series such as The Guardians of Justice and Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon. He is also set to executive produce an adaptation of Assassin’s Creed.

Generative AI, a hot topic in the video game and entertainment industries, has been met with criticism from fans and creators due to ethical and rights issues, as well as challenges in producing content that resonates with audiences.