From Childhood Nomad to Hollywood Visionary: The Journey of Adi Shankar
Adi Shankar’s life took a dramatic turn just days before the world changed forever. Growing up as a restless traveler, his family’s constant relocations spanned from Kolkata and Mumbai in India to Hong Kong and Singapore, shaping his early years with a sense of impermanence. At sixteen, he arrived in the United States to attend a boarding school in Rhode Island, only to be thrust into the chaos of September 11, 2001, shortly after stepping foot on American soil. This tumultuous beginning profoundly influenced his perspective on identity and belonging, especially as a person of color navigating a new cultural landscape.
Early Influences and Cultural Identity
During his adolescence, Shankar immersed himself in the pop culture that echoed the post-9/11 era’s anxieties: nu metal bands blaring on MTV, action-packed reruns on cable TV, and the immersive worlds of PlayStation 2’s Devil May Cry. These influences became the foundation of his creative outlook. As he matured, his passion for storytelling led him into Hollywood, where he established himself as a producer known for gritty, bold films featuring recognizable stars: Liam Neeson in The Grey (2011), Brad Pitt in Killing Them Softly (2012), Mark Wahlberg in Lone Survivor (2013), and Ryan Reynolds in The Voices (2014). These projects showcase his knack for intense, character-driven narratives.
The Personal Roots of Devil May Cry
Shankar’s latest venture, Netflix’s animated series Devil May Cry, is a deeply personal project rooted in his worldview shaped by 2001. Based on Capcom’s renowned video game franchise, the series explores themes of loss, redemption, and the quest to reclaim innocence lost during childhood. “Season 1 delves into how we all experience loss as children and spend our lives trying to heal or find what was taken from us,” Shankar explains. The series reflects his own journey through trauma and resilience, offering viewers a layered narrative that balances action with emotional depth.
Visual Element: An image from Devil May Cry shows Johnny Yong Bosch as Dante, capturing the series’ dynamic animation style.
A Wrestler’s Spirit and Reinvention
Shortly after the premiere of Devil May Cry, Shankar attended WWE’s Monday Night Raw dressed as Dante-a look he admits was intentionally campy. His costume, featuring a silver wig and a blood-red trench coat, was a nod to his alter ego, blending his love for wrestling with his creative persona. When questioned by cameras, he didn’t perform typical fan gestures but instead pointed skyward, reminiscent of legendary wrestler Sabu, who passed away shortly after. Shankar confesses a childhood dream of becoming a professional wrestler, emphasizing that wrestling is an art form rooted in living the character fully.
The Rebellious Spirit of a Filmmaker
Throughout his career, Shankar has often played the outsider, embodying the “heel” archetype. His red carpet appearances have been flamboyant-rock star leather, flowing black hair, and theatrical makeup-signaling his refusal to conform. Today, he maintains a polished appearance but remains committed to constant reinvention. “In wrestling, you learn to evolve,” he states. “Like Chris Jericho shedding long hair to emulate Javier Bardem in No Country for Old Men. Reinvention is essential. I see myself as a generational talent capable of transforming Hollywood.”
The Bootleg Universe: Redefining Fan Culture
Shankar’s influence extends into the digital realm through his Bootleg Universe, an innovative collection of unofficial, adult-oriented short films based on popular comic and cartoon franchises. These gritty reinterpretations-such as The Punisher: Dirty Laundry (2012), Venom: Truth in Journalism (2013), and POWER/RANGERS (2015)-challenge traditional superhero narratives by infusing them with darker, more complex themes. His work has garnered a cult following, pushing boundaries and redefining what fan-made content can achieve.
Netflix and the Future of Animated Storytelling
Since 2017, Shankar has been a key figure in Netflix’s animated universe, producing acclaimed series like Castlevania and Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix. Upcoming projects include adaptations of Assassin’s Creed, Hyper Light Drifter, and PUBG, signaling a broader push to elevate American animation beyond its conventional kid-friendly image. His goal is to create a new genre-an energetic blend of Saturday morning action, prestige television, and R-rated cinema-aimed at adult audiences craving sophisticated, visually stunning stories.
A Childhood of Cultural Flux and Propaganda
Reflecting on his upbringing, Shankar attributes his creative outlook to a childhood marked by constant movement across countries and cultures. This nomadic existence deprived him of cultural stability, making him skeptical of fixed narratives and national histories. “Growing up, everything was a construct-what was ‘cool’ changed depending on where I was,” he recalls. This fluidity informs his work, which often explores themes of manipulation, propaganda, and the malleability of identity.
Revolutionizing American Animation
Shankar’s overarching mission is to elevate American animation to a level of cultural relevance comparable to hip-hop’s influence on music or Virgil Abloh’s impact on fashion. He criticizes the industry’s focus on commercialism and toy-driven content, advocating for a more authentic, edgy, and culturally resonant form of storytelling. Inspired by the stylistic freedom of Japanese anime and classic American action cartoons like X-Men and Batman: The Animated Series, he envisions a new wave of animation that appeals to mature audiences without sacrificing energy or style.
Breaking the Kids’ Bubble: Animation for Adults
He argues that American animation has long been confined to “Hanna-Barbera land,” missing the opportunity to connect with adult viewers. Just as Korn’s Freak on a Leash introduced nu metal to mainstream audiences, Shankar aims to create animated content that resonates with grown-up fans-blending the visual language of Saturday morning cartoons with the depth of prestige TV and R-rated films. His goal is to craft a genre that defies traditional labels, one rooted in action, emotion, and cultural commentary.
The Power of Silence and Trauma in Storytelling
In his series, Shankar often employs silence and visual storytelling to evoke emotion and political allegory. For example, episode 6 of Devil May Cry is nearly wordless, using nonverbal cues to explore the plight of demonic refugees-a reflection of real-world issues surrounding displacement and trauma. His approach emphasizes that sometimes, what’s unsaid speaks volumes, echoing moments in history where silence has been the most powerful statement.
Personal History and Artistic Philosophy
Shankar’s childhood struggles with instability and cultural dislocation have deeply influenced his work. His family’s constant moves across continents exposed him to diverse perspectives, shaping his skepticism of fixed narratives and authority. “My upbringing was about propaganda and shifting truths,” he explains. This background fuels his desire to challenge industry norms and craft stories that are nuanced, layered, and authentic.
Vision for the Future: A New Era in Animation
Looking ahead, Shankar plans to expand Devil May Cry into a multi-season saga, with a stylistic and tonal shift in season two to deepen character development-particularly focusing on Virgil, Dante’s brother. His ambition is to surpass popular series like Arcane in viewership, aiming to redefine what American animation can achieve. “I want to blow up the conventional and show that animation can be as impactful as the biggest blockbuster,” he asserts.
Next Projects and Personal Philosophy
Beyond Devil May Cry, Shankar is developing new video game adaptations and has acquired the rights to Duke Nukem, intending to preserve its rebellious spirit free from corporate influence. His overarching philosophy remains rooted in authenticity and defiance-creating content that challenges norms and reinvents the medium. As he puts it, “I’m making American animation fucking cool. That’s my mission.”
