The Scott Pilgrim anime series, titled Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, was released on Netflix on November 17, 2023. Animated by Studio Science SARU, a reputable studio, fans were surprised by its production choice. However, when comparing it to the 2010 movie, fans of the original comic can't help but notice the undeniable differences in story.
Highlighting the differences between the Scott Pilgrim anime and movie
The Scott Pilgrim anime series is interestingly not a continuation or sequel to the 2010 movie, Scott Pilgrim vs the World. Although the basic plot of the anime is similar to the movie, it is important to highlight that the events in the anime are significantly different from those in the movie. The anime brings back the original cast of the movie, including Michael Cera and Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Scott Pilgrim and Ramona Flowers, respectively. Additionally, stars like Chris Evans, Brie Larson, and Aubrey Plaza also reprise their roles in the anime.
Netflix is now streaming the Scott Pilgrim anime, which features an entirely new take on the beloved series. While the 2010 film and the anime share the same basic plot, the creators of the anime took significant creative liberties to make it their own. The story follows Scott Pilgrim, a 23-year-old slacker and bass guitarist, who falls head over heels for Ramona Flowers, an American girl. However, in order to win her heart, Scott must first defeat her seven evil exes in epic boss battles inspired by video games.
However, the storyline in Scott Pilgrim Takes Off takes a different path compared to the film. One notable distinction in the anime series is when Scott initially loses the battle against Ramona's first evil ex, Patel, and appears to perish as he turns into a heap of coins. In contrast, the movie portrays Scott triumphing over Patel using an innate power that awakens during their confrontation. Subsequently, in subsequent episodes of the anime, it is revealed that Scott is, in fact, alive.
Following Scott's presumed death, Young Neil embarked on creating a film about Scott's life. Surprisingly, the movie turned out to be a verbatim adaptation of the 2010 film. Evidently, Neil sought to construct a reality where Scott emerged victorious in his battle against Patel, a feat he had accomplished in the original movie. This stands as one of the limited instances where the creators of the Netflix adaptation took creative liberties.
Lastly, one of the most notable disparities between the anime and the film was the revelation that Scott's "death" in the initial episode was intentionally orchestrated by his future self. During his confrontation with Patel, future Scott teleported his younger self away from the altercation, creating the illusion of his demise.
The events of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World were confirmed to have occurred to Scott, resulting in his marriage to Ramona in the future. However, their relationship deteriorated due to various issues, prompting future Scott to time travel and stop his younger self from marrying Ramona.
To summarize, the Scott Pilgrim animated series deviates significantly from the 2010 film, despite sharing a common plot. It presents a contemporary reinterpretation of Scott Pilgrim's romantic journey with Ramona Flowers. Notwithstanding its substantial alterations to the overarching narrative, the anime has garnered praise from fans of both the movie and the original comic.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z netizen, I'm excited to see the release of the Scott Pilgrim anime series on Netflix. I'm a big fan of the original comic book series and the 2010 movie, so I'm curious to see how the anime will adapt the story.
From what I've seen so far, the anime seems to be taking a more lighthearted and comedic approach to the story than the movie did. The animation is also very stylish and fluid, and the voice acting is excellent. I'm particularly enjoying the performances of Michael Cera as Scott Pilgrim and Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Ramona Flowers.
One of the things I appreciate most about the anime is that it's not afraid to make changes to the original story. For example, in the anime, Scott actually loses his first battle against Ramona's evil ex, Patel. This is a major change from the movie, where Scott defeats Patel with ease. I think this change helps to make the anime more interesting and unpredictable.
Overall, I'm really enjoying the Scott Pilgrim anime series. It's a fun and stylish adaptation of the original comic book series and the 2010 movie. I can't wait to see what happens next!