Bryan Lee O’Malley’s “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off”: A 2023 Animated Reimagining of a Cult Classic
Comics creator Bryan Lee O’Malley, known for his iconic “Scott Pilgrim” series published from 2004 to 2010, has revisited his beloved work with a new animated series for Netflix. Initially capturing the essence of O’Malley’s original artwork, the series, titled “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off,” takes an unexpected turn in its pilot, presenting a fresh perspective on the familiar narrative.
The original “Scott Pilgrim” comics and the subsequent film adaptation directed by Edgar Wright were emblematic of their time, embodying the era of films like “Garden State” and “(500) Days of Summer.” These stories often centered around lost and lonely young men pursuing captivating, elusive women who brought excitement to their lives. The titular character, Scott Pilgrim, a Toronto bassist, perfectly fit this description as he battled Ramona Flowers’ League of Evil Exes to win her heart. Influenced by Japanese manga, the series translated typical relationship anxieties into the heightened language of video games.
In the Netflix animated adaptation, Bryan Lee O’Malley, collaborating with writer BenDavid Grabinski, propels the “Scott Pilgrim” franchise into 2023. While maintaining the visual style of O’Malley’s original artwork, the series takes a departure from the live-action format of Wright’s film. The entire original cast, including Michael Cera, Chris Evans, and Aubrey Plaza, reprises their roles as voice performers, with Edgar Wright serving as an executive producer.
The plot details of “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off” have been kept tightly under wraps, and the show’s creators have encouraged fans to respect their wishes and avoid spoilers. However, the series becomes distinct from previous iterations as it unfolds.
Contrary to expectations, “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off” shifts its focus away from Scott Pilgrim himself. The spotlight turns to Ramona Flowers, portrayed by Mary-Elizabeth Winstead, who evolves from a somewhat passive object of Scott’s aspirations to a woman on a quest of her own. The narrative takes a detour when Scott’s initial face-off with Ramona’s ex, Matthew Patel, takes an unexpected turn. It becomes apparent that the series is offering a fresh perspective on the familiar “Scott Pilgrim” universe, with Ramona embarking on her own mission and delving into her past relationships.
The reduced role of Scott Pilgrim allows other supporting characters to flourish. Knives Chau, Scott’s love interest before Ramona, gains more depth beyond her puppy-dog crush. The series addresses the power dynamics of their relationship while explicitly stating that Knives and Scott have never kissed. The Evil Exes, formidable antagonists in the “Scott Pilgrim” universe, receive additional depth and nuance. Gideon Graves, the final boss, gets an origin story, and Ramona’s college ex, Roxy, undergoes emotional growth and closure. The transition to television offers a more expansive canvas for O’Malley and Grabinski to explore and spotlight various characters, enhancing their depth.
The animated format allows “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off” to pay a playful homage to its influences. With the assistance of the Japan-based studio Science Saru, O’Malley’s previously static artwork comes to life, combining gaming elements with the conventions of shonen comics. The series incorporates clever sequences, such as Ramona’s ex, Lucas Lee, squaring off against a fleet of ninja-like paparazzi multiplying around him. The playful and clever scenes, reminiscent of video games, contribute to the show’s charm. Additionally, Japanese rock band provides an earworm of a theme song, and American group Anamanaguchi contributes to the soundtrack, creating a vibrant and engaging audiovisual experience.
“Scott Pilgrim Takes Off” strikes a balance between being simple and fun while catering to a more mature audience. The interactions between Ramona and Scott explicitly address adult themes, such as discussing whether to have sex on their first date. The series is designed for those who grew up with the original “Scott Pilgrim” and are revisiting it through more grown-up eyes. To meet the expectations of this audience, the show provides nostalgic comfort while infusing novelty with self-awareness. Successfully completing its mission, “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off” offers a triumphant and enjoyable experience for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.