Adi Shankar , producer of Castlevania and Devil May Cry , caused a stir by stating on social media: “BERSERK = MINE. LORE = CHANGED. GUTS = ADI SHANKAR SELF-INSERT” . The bold and provocative statement raised concerns among fans of the dark manga created by Kentaro Miura , which has always been known for being a difficult work to adapt faithfully.
Shankar is a polarizing name in the geek world. While his stylized and emotional approach worked well in the first season of Castlevania , his departure from subsequent installments generated criticism. Currently, with his involvement in Berserk , he raises the question: could he be the right person to revitalize the work, or will he end up straying too far from the original legacy?
Changes to the canon worry fans
BERSERK = MINE
— Adi Shankar (@adishankarbrand) June 19, 2025
LORE = CHANGED
GUTS = ADI SHANKAR SELF INSERT https://t.co/FGKqinkQtK pic.twitter.com/o6knsKqNqs
Certainly, the phrase "LORE = CHANGED" worried purists. After all, Berserk is known for its dense and symbolic narrative, and even small alterations can generate resistance. The fact that Shankar wanted to project himself onto the protagonist Guts also divided opinions—while some see it as an artistic gesture, others consider it a break from the essence of the work.
However, it's undeniable that Shankar knows how to handle intense atmospheres. His version of Dracula, for example, was praised for transforming the villain into a deeply tragic character, which could work well in arcs like Black Swordsman and Lost Children .
Does Berserk deserve a Western adaptation?
Meanwhile, fans are debating whether a Western adaptation is truly appropriate. While Powerhouse Animation studio earned respect with Castlevania: Nocturne , there are still questions about its sensitivity to the philosophical and heavy themes of Berserk .
For now, all we can do is speculate. But if the project is made official, it promises to be a game-changer—for better or for worse.