Cast & Creator of Devil May Cry on Netflix get real with the characters & voices

Summary

In this candid conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of staying true to beloved franchises like Castlevania and Devil May Cry, with a focus on capturing the essence of iconic characters. They delve into the growth of Nero and Lady as characters, exploring their development and dynamic energy. The discussion also highlights the late Kevin Conroy’s impact as a voice actor, emphasizing the artistry of voice acting and the profound connection fans have with the voices behind their favorite characters. The speakers reflect on their experiences and the honor of working with such talent, underscoring the power of voice acting in shaping characters.

Takeaways

• 😀 The importance of staying true to the legacy of iconic franchises like Castlevania and Devil May Cry is emphasized by the high standards set by creators and their passion for the work.
• 😀 The challenge of accurately portraying beloved characters such as Dante, who is already a fully realized character in games, is addressed by exploring their backstory and growth in new media adaptations.
• 😀 Johnny’s excitement stems from the opportunity to explore Dante’s darker side and show his evolution, with the character growing over time.
• 😀 Scout shares her experience of portraying strong female characters like Laurie Strode and Lady/Mary, drawing on the energy of these roles to empower herself in real life.
• 😀 Lady, as a character, is depicted as a confident and assertive person who refuses to back down, which influences the way Scout approaches her portrayal and daily life.
• 😀 There is a clear passion for promoting and respecting voice actors, as they often don't get the recognition they deserve compared to live-action actors, even though their craft is invaluable.
• 😀 Kevin Conroy’s contribution to voice acting and his role as Batman is celebrated, with emphasis on his professionalism and the unique energy he brought to his work.
• 😀 Audi advocates for the use of professional voice actors in their specialized roles, highlighting the importance of their expertise and artistry in bringing characters to life.
• 😀 The concept of voice actors being the ‘voice in someone’s head’ is explored, noting that fans connect deeply with voices in a way that transcends visual recognition, creating a special bond.
• 😀 The conversation touches on the deep respect and admiration for Kevin Conroy, noting that his work in voice acting, especially as Batman, has left a lasting impact on fans and the industry.

Q & A

How important was it for Audi to get the adaptation right, especially considering Castlevania's fanbase?

Audi emphasized the high importance of getting the adaptation right, likening it to a matter of 'life or death.' As a fan of the Devil May Cry series, Audi held himself to very high standards due to the strong connection fans have with Castlevania.

What did Audi want to bring to the character of Dante in this adaptation?

Audi wanted to explore Dante's growth and development, as the games had already portrayed him as a fully realized character. In this adaptation, the focus is on showing Dante's darker places and his evolution into the confident character fans know.

How does the character of Nero fit into the series, according to Johnny?

Johnny explained that Nero in the games is a more established character, and his journey is about seeing where he comes from and how he evolves. The series gives an opportunity to delve into Nero’s earlier stages, exploring his development.

What was Scout's experience like playing Lady in the series?

Scout described Lady as a character with massive energy and strength. She felt Lady was 'seen and appreciated' in the universe of the series, and playing her taught Scout to embrace confidence, self-assertion, and being a 'badass' in real life.

How did Scout relate to Lady's character in terms of her daily life?

Scout felt a strong connection to Lady's assertiveness, taking her courage and strength into her everyday life. Lady's ability to 'stick up for herself' and 'throw punches' resonated with Scout, making her feel empowered both on and off-screen.

What significance did Kevin Conroy bring to the project, according to Audi?

Audi highlighted the honor of working with Kevin Conroy, especially given Conroy’s iconic role as Batman. Audi also mentioned the importance of appreciating voice actors for their craft, as Conroy's professionalism and mastery in voice acting were invaluable to the project.

What are Audi's thoughts on the recognition of voice actors in the industry?

Audi strongly believes that voice actors should receive more recognition for their craft. He expressed frustration over how often live-action actors are marketed over voice actors, despite voice acting being a specialized art form that requires mastery.

Why does Audi emphasize the importance of using voice actors for voice acting roles?

Audi feels that voice acting is a distinct art form, and voice actors have honed this craft. He argues that it's crucial to lean into their expertise rather than casting live-action actors for voice roles, which he feels undermines the value of voice acting.

What was the significance of Kevin Conroy's involvement in this project for Audi?

Audi described working with Kevin Conroy as a significant honor. Conroy's involvement in the project added a unique and irreplaceable energy, especially given his legendary status as the voice of Batman for many fans.

What insight does Scout offer about the special relationship voice actors have with audiences?

Scout, drawing from her experiences at Comic-Con, explained that voice actors hold a unique place in audiences' hearts. Unlike physical appearances, voice actors are often the 'voice in their head,' creating a deep, personal connection that is similar to how people connect with characters in books.