In a world dominated by rapid-fire TikTok clips, it seems Edgar Wright’s cult classic, “Scott Pilgrim Vs the World,” was truly ahead of its time. Now, 13 years after its initial release, the entire original cast, including Michael Cera, Brie Larson, Jason Schwartzman, and Chris Evans, has reunited for a spectacular animated reboot titled “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off.”
Adapted from Bryan Lee O’Malley’s graphic novels, the 2010 film was a live-action cartoon that blended visual fireworks with smart-aleck dialogue. The whimsical concept of indie-rock slackers engaging in over-the-top fights inspired by video games and Japanese anime left an indelible mark on pop culture. While the movie didn’t achieve blockbuster success upon its release, the cast’s return for the animated series signals a deep affection for the material.
“Scott Pilgrim Takes Off,” overseen by O’Malley and produced by Tokyo anime studio Science Saru, stays true to the manga-inspired artwork of the graphic novels. The animation features bold lines and expressive eyes, providing a visual feast for fans. Initially, the series follows the film faithfully, with Wright credited as an executive producer.
The story revolves around Scott Pilgrim, voiced by Michael Cera, a 23-year-old bassist playing in a garage-rock group in Toronto. His life takes a surreal turn when he encounters Ramona Flowers, voiced by Mary Elizabeth Winstead, in his dreams. As their romance unfolds, Scott finds himself entangled in a literal battle with Ramona’s seven jealous exes, led by the shady media mogul Gideon, voiced by Jason Schwartzman.
Rather than expanding on the source material, O’Malley and co-writer BenDavid Grabinski take a bold approach with “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off.” The series veers away from the original trajectory, creating a remix rather than a reboot. This shift turns the show into a rollicking ensemble piece, with Ramona taking the lead in several episodes.
The decision to keep spoilers under wraps adds an air of suspense to the series, but it is clear that the divergence occurs at a natural break point, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The remix allows for more exploration of characters, offering additional screen time to Scott’s gay roommate, Wallace, voiced by Kieran Culkin.
The villains, previously quickly vanquished, are given room for potential growth. Chris Evans’ character, Lucas Lee, a growling Hollywood action star, faces the consequences of his obnoxious behavior and the threat of cancellation. Even the original final boss, Gideon, receives more depth as he confronts challenges from his pre-supervillain days.
Beyond the action, the fights serve as a manifestation of unresolved problems and personal accounts that need settling. The series explores the cathartic nature of these knockouts, making them more than just dazzling spectacles. The reunion of the original cast, coupled with the decision to explore new narrative avenues, makes this animated series a must-watch for both fans of the original and newcomers alike.
“Scott Pilgrim Takes Off” delivers on its promise of action with at least one big fight scene in every episode. A standout sequence unfolds in a video store, taking the characters through different movie genres, from black-and-white noir to a thrilling cowboy movie.
