Adi Shankar Announces Devil May Cry Season 2, Declares Animation as the Future
Renowned Hollywood creator and producer Adi Shankar has officially confirmed the highly anticipated second season of Devil May Cry, boldly predicting it will be the standout series of 2026. In a recent interview, Shankar emphasized that animation is surpassing live-action in scale and impact, stating, "Animation is bigger than live action." He asserts that the new season will defy the typical sophomore slump, promising it won't be mere "comfort food" but a groundbreaking continuation.
Shankar's Vision: Redefining Hollywood and Storytelling
Shankar, known for redefining adult animation, critiques Hollywood's current state, arguing it is collapsing and needs rescue by innovators like himself. He points to the decline of the star system, which once provided consistency to America's soft power, as a key factor. "Whoever controls the imagination through storytelling, controls the future of the species," he declares, highlighting the profound role of narrative in shaping society.
His unique perspective, shaped by his Indian heritage—born in Kolkata and raised in Hong Kong—allows him to move beyond simplistic good-versus-evil binaries. In Devil May Cry Season 1, Episode 6, for instance, the story is told entirely from the villain's point of view, flipping traditional perspectives. Shankar creates fantastical worlds where race is irrelevant, stating, "I have never looked at myself in terms of race, cultural background or nationality." This mindset has prevented him from feeling like an outsider, even as he disrupted Hollywood in the 2010s and now sees himself as an "establishment player" ready to change industry rules.
Advice for Indian Creators and Industry Insights
Shankar offers crucial advice to his counterparts in India: "Go hyper local or hyper global." He praises Indian filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, whose Gangs of Wasseypur he helped distribute overseas, calling him "an auteur outside of the classic Bollywood ecosystem." Shankar observes that the Indian film industry has reached a "watershed moment," urging creators to draw inspiration from global successes.
He also addresses misconceptions about animation, noting that while older generations may view it as child-centric, Gen Alpha and Gen Z do not share this bias. His journey into animation began with a childhood fascination for adult anime, leading him to produce acclaimed series like Castlevania: Nocturne, often adapting video games. Shankar's motto, "Control the controllable, and not the entire universe," guides his creative process.
The Impact of Social Media and Future Projects
Shankar highlights how social media has democratized entertainment, making movie stars less relevant and prioritizing audiences. Platforms like Netflix and YouTube enable more people to create and distribute content, as seen with his Bootleg Universe series of parody fan films on YouTube. He is eyeing popular intellectual properties, including PUBG, for potential adaptations.
To young Indians obsessed with video games, Shankar advises, "Don't just be a consumer, add to the conversation." He has transitioned from fan to creator, producing content that is entertaining, satirical, and illuminating. Ranked number 20 on GQ's 2014 list of 'Most Influential Global Indian Men,' Shankar embodies his own wisdom: "If you try to appeal to everyone, you end up appealing to none."
As Devil May Cry Season 2 approaches, Shankar's insights underscore a shifting entertainment landscape where animation and diverse storytelling are poised to lead. His confidence and innovative approach continue to inspire creators worldwide, marking a significant chapter in Hollywood's evolution.
