Bryan Lee O’Malley’s “Scott Pilgrim Anime” comics have been adapted into a new animated series for Netflix called “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off.”
“Scott Pilgrim Takes Off” embarks on a fresh journey, remaining faithful to the source material, unlike the abbreviated film. Along with co-writer BenDavid Grabinski, Bryan Lee O’Malley executes a narrative guide resonating with “Connor’s Wedding.” In a bold move, they alter crucial elements to craft a daring new perspective while retaining the original movie cast to breathe life into the usual characters.
In a nostalgic boom from the past, the highly awaited anime modification of the beloved Scott Pilgrim universe, with a suitable title, “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off,” has landed on Netflix. The eight-episode series is a collaborative work between the award-winning Japanese animation house Science SARU and UCP (a division of Universal Studio Group). It rings back the iconic characters from the 2010 live-action version, offering fans a delightful return to the world of Scott Pilgrim.
Released on November 17, the anime follows the story of Scott Pilgrim, a Toronto resident who, not too long ago, musters the courage to ask out Ramona Flowers, the girl of his dreams. However, Scott Pilgrim soon discovers that winning Ramona’s heart is daunting—he must defeat her seven evil exes. This tremendous queue includes Lucas Lee, Todd Ingram, Gideon Graves, Matthew Patel, Roxie Ritcher, and twins Ken and Kyle Katayanagi.
The series reunites the original live-action cast, with Michael Cera and Mary Elizabeth Winstead reprising their roles as Scott and Ramona. Fans of the Sex Bob-ombs, Scott’s friends and family, and Ramona’s League of Evil Exes can celebrate as the group returns to lend their voices to the animated characters.
The anime features a star-studded guest cast, including familiar faces such as Will Forte, Finn Wolfhard, Al Yankovic, Kal Penn, Kirby Nick Frost, Simon Pegg, Nelson Franklin, Bowen Yang, and many more, which adds excitement. The diverse array of talent contributes to the vibrant and engaging world of “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off.”
The series, set nearly two decades after the original graphic novel and thirteen years after the live-action movie, employs a visually astonishing experience. Produced by Bryan Lee O’Malley and BenDavid Grabinski, with executive production by “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” director Edgar Wright, the anime glorifies electric battles highlighted by leading electric guitar flashes, creating a captivating environment for fans.
In a review by The Hollywood Reporter, Chief TV Critic Daniel Fienberg notes that “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off” successfully captures the core of O’Malley’s original vision. The series precisely reproduces the graphic novels’ look and feel and ensures a satisfying narrative. Fienberg highlights that, although the series may lack the cinematic aptitude of the live-action adaptation, it counteracts by allowing the story to take the central stage. “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off” is not intended for children, as it includes mature themes.
For those eagerly foreseeing a return to the Scott Pilgrim universe, “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off” on Netflix is a must-watch, offering a pleasing combination of nostalgia, vibrant animation, and an all-star cast. Reimmense into the world of Scott Pilgrim and embark on a new adventure filled with electric battles and the eccentric charm that made the original story a fan favorite. All eight “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off” episodes are available to stream on Netflix.