Are Devil May Cry and Resident Evil Connected? The Hidden Links Between Two Iconic Franchises
Two of gaming’s biggest names, ‘Devil May Cry’ and ‘Resident Evil’, have thrilled players for decades with their unique styles. One brings fast-paced demon-slaying action, while the other traps us in a world of slow, creeping horror. At first glance, they seem like opposites—one’s about flashy combat, the other about survival. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find these iconic franchises share more than just a developer. There’s a hidden history tying them together that goes beyond their Capcom roots.
I’ve always loved both series, and it’s wild to think they might be closer than we realize. It’s not just about shared DNA from the same company—there’s a story of how one game birthed the other, plus little nods that keep popping up across their worlds. From their origins to the latest Netflix show, the connections between ‘Devil May Cry’ and ‘Resident Evil’ are worth exploring. Let’s break it down and see what links these two legends.
How Devil May Cry Was Born from Resident Evil
Back in the late 1990s, Capcom was working on a new chapter for the ‘Resident Evil’ series. They tasked director Hideki Kamiya with creating what was meant to be ‘Resident Evil 4’. The team had big ideas—think stylish action, a cool hero, and a shift away from the usual zombie-filled mansions. But as the project grew, it started feeling less like the slow, tense horror fans knew.
Shinji Mikami, a key figure behind ‘Resident Evil’, stepped in and said it was too different. Instead of scrapping it, they turned it into something new. That’s how ‘Devil May Cry’ hit the PlayStation 2 in 2001, with Dante taking the spotlight instead of Leon S. Kennedy.
The early version had traces of ‘Resident Evil’ all over it. Fixed camera angles, creepy castles, and a gothic vibe carried over from its horror roots. Even some enemy designs—like the spider-like Phantom—echo the Web Spinners from ‘Resident Evil’. Kamiya wanted a bold, acrobatic hero, and that didn’t fit the survival mold. So, ‘Devil May Cry’ became its own thing, kicking off a franchise that’s now just as big as its older sibling.
Shared Threads in Games, Shows, and Movies
The ties didn’t stop with that origin story. Both franchises kept dropping hints of each other over the years. In the first ‘Devil May Cry’, you can feel the ‘Resident Evil’ influence in its eerie Mallet Island setting—it’s got that same isolated, ominous feel as the Spencer Mansion. Enemies like the Blades remind me of the Hunters from ‘Resident Evil’, with their reptilian look and deadly claws. And the warning screen about ‘violence and gore’ pops up in both, a little nod to their shared past.
Fast forward to 2025, and the new Netflix series ‘Devil May Cry’ throws in a fun twist. In episode three, Dante’s buddy Enzo mentions a bad job in Raccoon City—yep, the zombie-infested town from ‘Resident Evil’. It’s a quick line, but it’s got us wondering if Dante ever crossed paths with Umbrella’s messes. The movies don’t connect as directly, though. The ‘Resident Evil’ films with Milla Jovovich and the unmade ‘Devil May Cry’ film from Screen Gems in 2011 stay separate. Still, both lean on Capcom’s love for over-the-top action and dark vibes.
Actors and Voices Bridging the Gap
People behind the scenes link these worlds too. Take Reuben Langdon—he’s the voice and motion capture guy for Dante in ‘Devil May Cry 3’, ‘4’, and ‘5’. He also popped up as a stunt performer in the ‘Resident Evil: Vendetta’ animated movie. Then there’s Matthew Mercer, who voiced Leon in ‘Resident Evil 6’ and later took on a role in the ‘Devil May Cry’ series as a minor character. These actors bounce between the franchises, bringing a familiar feel to both.
It’s not just voice work either. The teams at Capcom often overlap. Hideaki Itsuno, who directed ‘Devil May Cry 2’ through ‘5’, worked with folks who’d cut their teeth on ‘Resident Evil’ projects. That shared talent pool keeps the spirit of both series connected, even if the stories don’t officially cross. It’s like a family reunion—different branches, but you can see the resemblance.