Key Distinctions: Scott Pilgrim Anime vs Movie

Scott Pilgrim Takes Off brilliantly expands Bryan O'Malley's universe, exceeding fans' wildest expectations. The anime's first season takes a daring departure from the 2010 film, introducing captivating new storylines that leave viewers in awe.

The 2010 film, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, flawlessly brought to life the beloved graphic novels. Michael Cera flawlessly portrayed Scott Pilgrim, a young man who embarks on a journey of love with Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). However, complications arise when Scott discovers that he must defeat Ramona's exes, each gifted with unique superpowers, in order to win her heart.

Scott Pilgrim dies in his first battle

Indeed, following Scott's initial clash against Matthew Patel, he mysteriously disappears without a trace, leaving others to believe he has perished.

The inaugural installment of Scott Pilgrim Takes Off closely mirrors Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. Scott envisions Ramona within a parallel realm, rehearses with his musical group, and maintains a romantic relationship with Knives. During a social gathering, he unexpectedly encounters Ramona, leading to a conversation similar in fashion to the one depicted in the film. Subsequently, Scott finds himself captivated by her and requests a particular item, hoping for her delivery.

A notable distinction is that simultaneously, Patel and Gideon observe the development of their romance from a concealed hideout. Shortly after, Sex Bob-Omb performs their show and Scott encounters a predicament when Knives unexpectedly shows up, despite him having already invited Ramona.

The significant departure from the 2010 film occurs when Patel confronts Scott as Ramona's initial malevolent ex. Contrary to the movie, Scott taps into a latent power and triumphs over Patel. It is during this encounter that he gains insight into the rule of dating Ramona.

The movie within the anime

Scott Pilgrim Takes Off takes a different route from the main storyline. In a surprising turn of events, Patel manages to defeat Scott, leaving only some coins behind. As the next episodes unfold, Scott is believed to be deceased. Envy Addams makes a dramatic entrance at his funeral. However, by the end of Episode 2, Ramona discovers, in the alternate dimension, that Scott is actually alive.

Following Scott's alleged demise, Young Neil experiences a revelatory moment and conceives an entire screenplay for a movie. This film not only faithfully replicates the events of the 2010 movie but also goes so far as to recreate it word for word.

Amidst a series of comedic occurrences, Ramona happens upon a film set in Episode 3. Here, she discovers that Young Neil has crafted a movie entitled "Scott Pilgrim's Precious Life." Strangely enough, the actress portraying Ramona Flowers is Envy Addams, while the character of Scott is portrayed by Ramona's former antagonist, Lucas Lee.

However, what adds a comical twist to the whole situation is Young Neil's movie, which depicts the events of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. In this film, he invents a story where Scott emerges victorious in his battle against Patel, and even incorporates the actual character of Lucas Lee and his confrontation with Scott. Furthermore, Knives is portrayed by herself in the movie, resulting in an unexpected romance blossoming between her and Lee on set.

Wallace has a fling with Todd Ingram

One of the biggest differences from the 2010 movies is that in Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, Todd falls in love with Wallace while on set.

Lucas Lee is forced to step down from his role as Scott in the movie, making way for Todd. Just like in the original graphic novels and movie, Todd and Envy Addams are in a romantic relationship and also star in The Clash at Demonhead together. Given their existing connection, it made sense for Todd to be cast opposite Envy in Young Neil's film.

However, a problem arises when their intense kissing scenes start to overshadow the desired aesthetic envisioned by the director. Wallace proposes a solution. In the next take, the director instructs Todd to gaze into Wallace's eyes. With his natural charm, Todd falls for the trick and their kiss becomes meaningful.

Scott meets Scott from the future

Scott Pilgrim Takes Off showcases the unexpected love connection between Ramona's nefarious ex and Envy's significant other, both of whom develop deep feelings for Wallace. They engage in secret meetings inside his trailer, leading Todd to even get a tattoo dedicated to their relationship. However, Wallace shatters Todd's hopes when he reveals that their fling was merely a temporary affair during the filming.

In Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, the most surprising revelation is the truth behind Scott's survival and whereabouts. It is unveiled that his future self intervened and transported him away during the intense battle with Patel, rescuing him from marrying Ramona.

As Episode 5 unfolds, Ramona starts suspecting either Envy or Todd for Scott's mysterious disappearance. Upon reviewing the footage of the fight with Patel, Ramona notices a green portal resembling Todd's abilities. However, Todd denies any involvement in the matter. Subsequently, Ramona begins to consider the possibility that the Twins might have been assisted by a powerful vegan robot.

While informing the others, Knives discloses that Young Neil was not the author of the movie screenplay. Surprisingly, Scott materializes unscathed in front of Ramona, revealing that the twins transported him against his will at the behest of his future self.

It is uncovered that the events depicted in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World did indeed occur to him, and he even married Ramona. However, their relationship ultimately led to divorce and numerous complications. In response, future Scott takes Wallace's concept of time travel too seriously and seeks the Twins' assistance in preventing his younger self from dating Ramona. Older Ramona was the one who penned the story of their experiences and gave it to Young Neil, hoping that young Scott would learn if Older Scott had erased their history.

Later in the finale, Scott organizes a musical gathering for the movie, hoping to confront all the evil exes and win over Ramona. However, Scott soon realizes that none of them are willing to fight for her. Unexpectedly, a bomb explodes, transporting them to an alternate dimension where they encounter an older version of Scott who has been training vigorously to halt Scott and Ramona's progress once and for all. Yet, in the end, both the present and future versions of Ramona unite and transform into Super Ramona, ultimately choosing Scott.

The League of Evil Exes has a few changes

In contrast to Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, the League of Evil Exes in Scott Pilgrim Takes Off is in a state of chaos and is now led by Patel after Gideon's expulsion. Unlike in the 2010 movie, where the League is aware of the necessity to defeat Ramona's new boyfriend, the anime showcases them coming together in meetings to strategize against Scott. The main distinction lies in the leadership, with Gideon originally holding the position as the supposed leader and record producer. However, as Gideon's authority within the League diminishes, Patel takes charge and assumes the highest position of power.

Moreover, Patel seizes everything from Gideon, including his wealth, reputation, and all other possessions. Consequently, Gideon seeks assistance and solace from Julie Powers. Ultimately, the anime devalues the significance of the League and its authority, instead placing greater emphasis on the time-travel narrative involving Ramona and Scott.

You can now stream Scott Pilgrim Takes Off on Netflix.

Read more of Dexerto’s TV & Movies news here, and Scott Pilgrim Takes Off official soundtrack here.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am excited about the release of Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, the anime adaptation of the beloved 2010 movie. The anime series promises to expand Bryan O'Malley's universe and deliver even more exciting and captivating storylines for Scott and the other characters. I am particularly intrigued by the changes that have been made to the story, such as Scott's mysterious disappearance and the introduction of a new character, Envy Addams. I am also looking forward to seeing how the anime will portray the relationships between the characters, especially Scott and Ramona's relationship.

Overall, I believe that Scott Pilgrim Takes Off has the potential to be a great anime series and a worthy successor to the 2010 movie. I am eager to see how the story unfolds and to experience the unique and vibrant world of Scott Pilgrim once again.