The Dual Legacy: Why Dante’s Voice Actor Was Replaced For The Netflix Anime & The Truth About Reuben Langdon’s Retirement

The iconic voice of the half-demon Devil Hunter, Dante, has been a central point of discussion among fans for decades, but as of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the conversation has reached a fever pitch. The character is currently undergoing a significant shift in his vocal portrayal across different media, creating a fascinating duality for the Son of Sparda. This article breaks down the latest, most critical updates, including the shocking casting for the new Netflix anime and the definitive truth behind the rumors of the legendary game actor's retirement. The identity of the current Dante voice actor depends entirely on the project: Reuben Langdon remains the definitive voice for the main video game series, but a new, surprising name has stepped into the role for the animated adaptation.

Reuben Langdon: The Man Behind The Modern Devil Hunter

Reuben Christopher Langdon is the voice and motion capture artist most synonymous with Dante, having portrayed the character for over two decades. His work shaped the swagger, humor, and gravitas of the character from his younger years in *Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening* to the veteran demon slayer in the critically acclaimed *Devil May Cry 5*.

Reuben Langdon: Biography & Profile

• Full Name: Reuben Christopher Langdon
• Born: July 19, 1975
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Voice Actor, Motion Capture Artist, Stunt Performer, Filmmaker, Producer
• Notable Roles (Voice/Mo-Cap):
  • Dante (*Devil May Cry 3, 4, 5*)
  • Ken Masters (*Street Fighter IV, V*)
  • Chris Redfield (Motion Capture for *Resident Evil 5, 6*)
  • Leon S. Kennedy (Motion Capture for *Resident Evil 2* and *3* Remakes)
  • Jake Sully (Stunt Double for *Avatar*)
• Motion Capture Company: Co-founder of Just Cause Productions.
• Other Interests: Known for his work as an activist and "Cosmic Anthropologist," exploring topics related to science, spirituality, and extraterrestrial phenomena.

The Retirement Rumor: Debunked and Clarified

For a time, the future of Langdon's involvement with the *Devil May Cry* franchise seemed uncertain due to rumors of his retirement from acting. These rumors gained traction in early 2024, with some reports suggesting he was stepping away to focus on other projects, including his documentary work. However, in a critical update for fans, Langdon *refuted* claims of a full retirement in October 2024. The actor clarified that he had only taken a break from acting and motion capture to avoid potential COVID-19 related issues, but that he was not fully retired from the industry. This means the door is technically still open for Langdon to return as Dante in a potential *Devil May Cry 6*, provided Capcom chooses to bring him back. This clarification is vital, as it confirms the iconic voice of the mainline series is still available for future projects, preserving the continuity that fans have cherished since the character’s overhaul in *DMC3*.

Johnny Yong Bosch: The New Animated Dante

The most recent and perhaps most surprising casting news for the character involves the new Netflix anime series, *Devil May Cry*. In a move that shocked many fans, the role of Dante has been given to a different, albeit familiar, voice actor: Johnny Yong Bosch.

The Surprising Dual Role Casting

What makes this casting so noteworthy is that Johnny Yong Bosch is already the established voice of Nero, Dante's nephew and secondary protagonist of the series, starting from *Devil May Cry 4*. This means the same actor now voices both the legendary Devil Hunter, Dante, and the young demon hunter who idolizes him. The decision to cast Bosch as Dante for the anime, instead of the game's long-time actor Reuben Langdon, has been a major talking point among the *DMC* community. While the exact "lore reason" for the switch remains unconfirmed by Netflix or Capcom, many speculate it was a creative choice for the animated medium or a result of the aforementioned (and now refuted) retirement rumors surrounding Langdon. Regardless of the reason, the transition was handled with respect. Reuben Langdon publicly congratulated Johnny Yong Bosch on taking up the mantle of Dante in the animated project, showing a passing of the torch and mutual respect between the two actors.

Johnny Yong Bosch's Voice Acting Authority

Johnny Yong Bosch is a voice acting powerhouse, bringing significant topical authority to the role. Beyond Nero, his voice is instantly recognizable to millions of anime and video game fans, making his casting a major win for the Netflix series' star power. * Nero (*Devil May Cry 4, 5*) * Ichigo Kurosaki (*Bleach*) * Lelouch Lamperouge (*Code Geass*) * Vash the Stampede (*Trigun*) * Adachi (*Persona 4*)

A Complete History of Dante’s Voice Actors

Dante's voice has changed several times throughout the franchise's history, reflecting different tones and eras for the Devil Hunter. Understanding this history is key to appreciating the character's vocal evolution.

1. Drew Coombs (The Original)

Drew Coombs was the original voice and motion capture actor for Dante in the very first game, Devil May Cry (2001). His portrayal delivered a more serious, stoic, and gothic interpretation of the character, fitting the game's darker atmosphere. Coombs’s performance is still beloved by many long-time fans who prefer the original, more reserved demon investigator.

2. Matt Kaminsky (The Animated Series)

Matt Kaminsky voiced Dante in the 2007 Devil May Cry: The Animated Series. This performance bridged the gap between the original and the more flamboyant style that would come to define the character.

3. Reuben Langdon (The Definitive)

Langdon's run began with Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening (2005) and continued through Devil May Cry 4 (2008) and Devil May Cry 5 (2019). He is credited with defining the modern, cocky, and stylish persona of Dante, often providing both the voice and the motion capture for the character's signature over-the-top action sequences.

4. Tim Phillips (The Reboot)

Tim Phillips voiced the younger, more rebellious Dante in the 2013 reboot game, DmC: Devil May Cry. This version of the character, dubbed "Donte" by some fans, was intentionally different, and Phillips’s voice reflected the grittier, punk-rock aesthetic of the alternative universe.

5. Johnny Yong Bosch (The Anime)

Bosch is the latest to join the lineage, bringing his distinct vocal talent to the character for the 2024/2025 Netflix anime series.

The Future of Dante: Langdon, Bosch, and DMC6

The current situation creates a fascinating dynamic: the video game Dante (the main continuity) is still vocally controlled by Reuben Langdon, who has confirmed his availability. The animated Dante is now voiced by Johnny Yong Bosch, who also voices Nero. This raises a critical question for Devil May Cry 6 (DMC6): Will Capcom choose to maintain continuity by bringing back Langdon for the mainline game, or will they utilize the star power and dual-role synergy of Johnny Yong Bosch? Given the fan reverence for Langdon's performance in *DMC5*, it is highly likely that Capcom will stick with their veteran actor for the next major installment, especially since the retirement rumors have been clarified. The legacy of Dante is one of style, demon slaying, and, now more than ever, a complex web of talented voice actors who have each brought a unique spin to the Son of Sparda.