Since Netflix revealed its plans for a Scott Pilgrim anime, there has been a lot of speculation about whether the original cast will return and if the adaptation will stay true to the source material. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, based on Bryan Lee O’Malley's comic book series, follows the timid protagonist as he fights Ramona Flowers' seven exes in an attempt to win her over. The film gained a dedicated fanbase with its memorable rock soundtrack and over-the-top action. It could be best described as a musical action rom-com that cleverly pokes fun at genre clichés like love at first sight and the manic pixie dream girl archetype.
Although Edgar Wright concluded the story of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World in the comics, many fans wanted more of Scott, Ramona, and their hilariously frustrating friends and exes. That's why Netflix's announcement of a Scott Pilgrim anime in 2023 was such a delightful surprise. Netflix has already proven its ability to adapt anime successfully with acclaimed shows like Castlevania and Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, so it was only natural for the streaming giant to bring the artistically exaggerated action and comedy of Scott Pilgrim to life in anime form.
Scott Pilgrim Anime Latest News
The latest news on the Scott Pilgrim anime comes from an interview with Michael Cera, the actor who portrays Scott Pilgrim. Cera expresses his excitement about revisiting the character in this new anime format, and he sees it as an opportunity to create a unique and fresh experience, even while collaborating with the same cast members. He also mentions the humor in this new version of a familiar story and how it felt strange to voice the character again after all these years.
"I've never had the chance to create a new version of something with the same people like this. It's truly uncanny. The whole experience is quite peculiar! It's heartening to see that people still care enough to bring it up, watch it, and enjoy it. That's a wonderful success. I believe it'll be incredibly funny. Recording it and hearing what others are doing has been an absolute blast. There are a few songs... I'm not entirely sure what to expect, but I know it'll be really funny."
From the sound of it, the new Scott Pilgrim anime will tell the same overall story, with the same voice cast, but will differ in several key areas. It is likely that the story has been adapted to fit the modern day, and the songs seem to have undergone some changes as well. Based on Michael Cera's description, this time around might be even funnier than the original movie. With Edgar Wright serving as the executive producer and comic book creator Bryan Lee O'Malley co-developing it, the Scott Pilgrim anime is expected to have a slightly different feel, possibly leaning closer to the comics rather than the movie.
In January 2022, rumors circulated about a potential Scott Pilgrim anime series coming to Netflix. The speculation continued until March 30, 2022, when Netflix officially confirmed the news. The announcement revealed that O'Malley would be involved in the project as both a writer and executive producer, alongside BenDavid Grabinski, known for his work on "Are You Afraid of the Dark?" and "Happily." Additionally, Edgar Wright, the director of the live-action "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" film, was also named an executive producer, showing his enthusiasm for the anime adaptation. While O'Malley is expected to stay true to the original books, Wright has shared with Netflix that the comic book writer's ideas are much more daring and adventurous than a simple straight adaptation.
Scott Pilgrim Anime Release Date Info
Scott Pilgrim Cast
The official announcement from Netflix does not provide a specific release date, suggesting that the Scott Pilgrim anime may make its debut either in late 2023 or sometime in 2024. Interestingly, the announcement also does not delve into any details regarding filming, indicating that the show is still in the pre-production phase. Considering that most of Netflix's animated series typically consist of eight to ten episodes per season, it is highly likely that the highly anticipated Scott Pilgrim-led adventure will grace our screens in the near future.
The excitement surrounding the Scott Pilgrim anime is largely due to the return of the original cast. Michael Cera (known for his roles in Superbad and Arrested Development) will reprise his role as the punk slacker Scott Pilgrim. Mary Elizabeth-Winstead, who previously appeared in Birds of Prey and 10 Cloverfield Lane, will also be back as Ramona, the ninja delivery girl. Joining them are Keiran Culkin as Scott's roommate Walter, Anna Kendrick as Scott's sister Stacey, Alison Pill as Sex Bob-omb drummer Kim, Johnny Simmons as the band's fan Young Neil, and Aubrey Plaza and Mark Webber as the couple Julia and Stephen.
Scott and Ramona's ex-lovers are expected to make appearances in the anime series. Brie Larson and Ellen Wong will reprise their roles as Scott's exes, Envy and Knives, while Ramona will face her League of Evil Exes, including Satya Bhabha as Matthew, Chris Evans as Lucas, Brandon Routh as Todd, Jason Schwartzman as Gideon, and Mae Whitman as Roxie. It is worth noting that many of these actors have gained mainstream success since the release of Scott Pilgrim vs the World. According to O'Malley, they are like a family despite their individual achievements. The close-knit nature of the Scott Pilgrim cast extends beyond the screen, with director Wright highlighting the long-lasting friendships among the actors. In fact, they still maintain a group email chain that dates back to 2010. Wright expressed his delight in seeing everyone return to their roles and how it has been a true pleasure for him.
Scott Pilgrim Story Details
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, inspired by comics, follows Scott's quest to win over Ramona and defend against her aggressive exes. Executive producer O'Malley confirms that the anime series will be an exciting adaptation of his own work, promising unexpected twists. O'Malley aims to provide more depth to the story, allowing for a better exploration of Scott's battles and personal struggles. Additionally, fans can look forward to seeing how the iconic fight scenes from Scott Pilgrim vs. the World will be adapted and modified.
O'Malley also discusses the visual aspects of the series, assuring viewers that the action scenes will be mind-blowing and teasing potential surprises. The involvement of Scott's band, Sex Bomb-Omb, will be a significant aspect of the anime series, delving into their chemistry, devoted fans, and contributions to the Scott Pilgrim soundtrack. Anamanaguchi, the Japanese pop group responsible for the Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game soundtrack, will also play a significant role in the show's music. Utilizing animation effectively to tell Scott's story, O'Malley expresses the passion and enjoyment everyone involved has in creating this series.