On Thursday, Netflix gave fans a fresh glimpse into its highly anticipated animated series adaptation of Devil May Cry, unveiling the opening credits for the show steered by Adi Shankar and animated by Studio Mir. In a move that’s both surprising and strikingly suitable, the series kicks off with Limp Bizkit’s “Rollin’,” the iconic track from the nu-metal band’s 2000 album, Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water.
Both the original Devil May Cry and Limp Bizkit’s breakthrough album hail from the early 2000s. While die-hard Devil May Cry fans might lobby for the original game soundtrack, it’s undeniable that “Rollin’” is a superbly fitting choice, perfectly capturing the vibe of that era.
In a recent social media update, Shankar shed some light on the musical selections for the series, sharing that his devilish universe is nestled in a late ’90s/early 2000s PlayStation 2 backdrop. This setting draws on his nostalgic memories of a world straddling pre- and post-9/11 times. His soundtrack choices echo these times, melding hits from the era with reimagined favorites from the Devil May Cry franchise, brought to life by synthwave duo Power Glove, known for their work on the music of Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon, which also inspired his Captain Laserhawk series.
Shankar also mentioned that each season of Devil May Cry will boast a unique vibe, reflecting how each game in the series offers a distinct feel. This entails a new theme song and title design for every season. He teased, “You are not prepared for this soundtrack.”
Alongside offering a preview of Devil May Cry, Netflix thrilled fans with the announcement that the series will begin streaming on April 3. Originally slated for a 2024 release, it’s exciting to finally have a concrete date to look forward to.
The series, executive produced and created by Adi Shankar (of Castlevania and Captain Laserhawk fame) and penned by Alex Larsen (known for Yasuke), will consist of eight episodes. It’s set to delve into the adventures of a young Dante, drawing inspiration from the 2005 prequel, Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening. Studio Mir, the animation powerhouse behind hits like The Legend of Korra, The Boondocks, Young Justice, and Harley Quinn, will bring the series to life with its unique visual flair.
Netflix’s adaptation is rooted in Capcom’s long-running Devil May Cry franchise, which celebrates over two decades since its creation by game designer Hideki Kamiya. Kamiya recently announced his return to the Okami series, showing he’s not done with redefining gaming worlds. It’s been over five years since the last new addition to the Devil May Cry gaming series, with Devil May Cry 5 being our most recent encounter with the franchise—and fans are keenly hopeful it won’t be the last.