Fans of Devil May Cry and Evanescence have a reason to celebrate! The highly anticipated Devil May Cry animated series is set to premiere on Netflix on April 3, 2025, and it will feature a brand-new song by the iconic rock band Evanescence titled “Afterlife.” A lyric video for “Afterlife,” packed with exclusive clips from the series, began streaming on Thursday, offering a sneak peek into the action-packed and visually stunning world of Devil May Cry.
‘Afterlife’: A Perfect Match for Devil May Cry‘s Dark Aesthetic
The collaboration between Devil May Cry and Evanescence seems like a match made in hell (or perhaps, heaven?). Both the video game franchise and the band are known for their dark themes and gothic vibes, resonating with a similar fanbase during their rise to popularity in the early 2000s. Evanescence, who emerged onto the scene in 2003, shares a similar edgy aesthetic with the Devil May Cry video game series, which debuted in 2001.
Amy Lee, the lead vocalist of Evanescence, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I have always loved good anime. Right from the first scene of the show, I knew it was going to be good. Creative and thought-provoking, horrific and beautiful, classic.” “Afterlife,” co-written by Alex Seaver of Mako and Amy Lee, promises to be a powerful and emotional addition to the Devil May Cry universe.
A Nu-Metal Celebration: Limp Bizkit and Papa Roach Join the Party
Evanescence isn’t the only band from the early 2000s to be featured in the Devil May Cry anime. The opening sequence of the series will feature Limp Bizkit’s iconic hit “Rollin’,” setting the stage for a high-octane, action-filled adventure. A trailer for the series also included Papa Roach’s “Last Resort,” further solidifying the anime’s nu-metal vibe. This fusion of music and animation is set to evoke a sense of nostalgia for millennial fans who grew up with these bands and the Devil May Cry franchise.
What to Expect from the Devil May Cry Animated Series
Devil May Cry, created by Adi Shankar and produced by Studio Mir, is an adult animated urban fantasy action television series based on the popular video game franchise by Capcom. Shankar, known for his work on Castlevania and Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix, acquired the series in November 2018, stating that it would join Castlevania in what he calls the “bootleg multiverse.”
Production and Animation
The animation for Devil May Cry is being handled by Studio Mir, renowned for their work on The Legend of Korra, X-Men ’97, and DOTA: Dragon’s Blood. Alex Larsen (Yasuke) completed writing the scripts for the first season as of November 2021. The series is planned to have multiple seasons, with the first season consisting of eight episodes.
Cast and Characters
The series will feature fan-favorite characters such as Dante, Vergil, and Lady. Johnny Yong Bosch, who voiced Nero in the Devil May Cry video games, will be taking on the role of Dante in the English-dubbed version. The English dub cast also includes:
- Scout Taylor-Compton as Mary (Lady)
- Hoon Lee as White Rabbit
- Chris Coppola as Enzo
- Kevin Conroy as VP Baines (in a posthumous role)
Toshiyuki Morikawa will voice Dante in the Japanese dub, with Fumiko Orikasa as Lady and Hiroaki Hirata as Vergil.
Storyline
While plot details are still under wraps, the series appears to be focusing on Dante around the time of the first three Devil May Cry games. The official storyline is: When a mysterious villain threatens to open the gates of Hell, a devilishly handsome demon hunter could be the world’s best hope for salvation.
A Nod to the Games
Adi Shankar, a self-proclaimed fan of the series, drew parallels between Devil May Cry and Iron Man in terms of popularity. He aimed to give the series a revision inspired by Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy. The Devil May Cry game series has also inspired a 12-episode television anime series by Madhouse in 2007, as well as novels, manga, and a stage play crossover with Sengoku Basara.
Release Date and Where to Watch
Devil May Cry premieres on Netflix on April 3, 2025. All eight episodes of the first season will be available to stream at once. With its blend of action, dark themes, and a killer soundtrack featuring Evanescence and Limp Bizkit, Devil May Cry is poised to be a hit with both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Prepare to dive into the demon-slaying world of Devil May Cry and experience the adrenaline-pumping sounds of “Afterlife” and “Rollin'” when the series drops on Netflix!
