‘Cry harder’: Devil May Cry producer sparks Berserk backlash with troll post

Los Angeles: Film producer Adi Shankar is facing intense backlash from Berserk fans after suggesting he would play the lead role of Guts in a new adaptation of the dark fantasy manga.

Though later claiming it was “just trolling,” his comments triggered outrage online and even a fan petition to block his involvement in the project.

Shankar, best known for producing Netflix’s Castlevania and the upcoming Devil May Cry series, added fuel to the fire by responding to the fan petition with a blunt “Cry Harder.” The dismissive remark inflamed tensions among long-time Berserk fans, many of whom are protective of the late Kentaro Miura’s legacy.

Why are fans upset with Adi Shankar?

Fans argue that previous Berserk adaptations — especially the critically panned 2016 CGI series — failed to do justice to Miura’s masterpiece. Many fear that Shankar’s unconventional approach and interest in blending genres could again compromise the source material.

His past work, while visually compelling, often took creative liberties that some believe would be inappropriate for Berserk. Given Shankar’s remarks about combining “Saturday morning cartoon aesthetics with R-rated cinema,” fans worry that such a vision would dilute the manga’s intense psychological and violent themes.

What did Adi Shankar say?

Initially, Shankar posted a message implying he’d insert himself as Guts, the series' iconic protagonist. This was followed by a defiant “Cry Harder” when fans pushed back. He later softened his stance, saying that if he were involved, the adaptation would be “1:1” — a faithful version of the original manga.

However, his tone and earlier comments have left fans sceptical.

What’s the current status of Berserk?

Since Miura’s death in 2021, Berserk has continued under the supervision of Kouji Mori and Studio Gaga, who pledged to follow Miura’s vision closely. Fans have been wary of any new adaptations straying from that path.

Could Adi Shankar still be involved?

As of now, no official Berserk anime announcement has confirmed Shankar’s involvement. His comments appear speculative, but the controversy highlights the growing tension between fandom expectations and artistic reinterpretation in legacy anime franchises.