New York Comic Con served up a number of highlights this year, one of which was a panel featuring Scott Pilgrim creator Bryan Lee O’Malley and producer BenDavid Grabinski. The duo fielded a number of questions regarding the upcoming Scott Pilgrim Netflix series and the future of the franchise in general; in the process, fans were able to gain some additional clarity on what to expect when Scott Pilgrim Takes Off hits Netflix on November 17.
How Will ‘Scott Pilgrim Takes Off’ Be Different From the 2010 Movie?
O’Malley spoke about how the Scott Pilgrim book series was still unfinished when the 2010 film was in development. So, while the supporting characters weren’t necessarily “underdeveloped” per se, the movie placed far more focus on the titular character. “The movie has to kinda…like…go, go, go, and it has to be mostly about Scott’s story,” O’Malley explained. “So yeah, it definitely appealed to have more of Ramona (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), but not just that, like trying to get more of everyone…ironically except for Scott (Michael Cera).”
But would this expanded backstory for Ramona and other secondary characters be part of a sequel to the 2010 film, or a fresh new take on the franchise? It’s the latter, according to both O’Malley and Grabinski, who confirm that the series takes place during “Scott Pilgrim time” (mid-2000s to 2010ish, according to Grabinski). “It’s a period piece,” remarked Grabinski, who added that Ramona’s job is changed to that of a Netflix DVD delivery driver for the series. “It just felt like a fun and funny way to signify when it took place.”
What else should fans expect from the ‘Scott Pilgrim’ Netflix Series?
Some other characters who O’Malley and Grabinski confirm will receive additional screen time and character development are Knives Chau (Ellen Wong) and some of Ramona’s “evil exes,” all of whom took a noticeable backseat to the titular Scott Pilgrim during the 2010 film. With the added backstory, it’s possible that there will be enough momentum for spin-off projects featuring some of these characters. A standalone project focused on Lucas Lee (Chris Evans) has at least been formally discussed, according to O’Malley; of course, the success of the Netflix series would play a role in whether those conversations gain some legitimate traction.
With the original cast all returning to voice the animated versions of their characters, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off has become one of Netflix’s most anticipated series of the year. Catch it when it drops on November 17!
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