Universal Pictures
When Netflix announced last summer that it was developing a Scott Pilgrim anime, there were already plenty of reasons to celebrate. For one, creator Bryan Lee O’Malley was set toˇwrite and executive produce this adaptation of his fantastic comic series. And by “anime,” Netflix really did mean Japanese-animated—not that Japan-influenced Western-made stuff that people often inaccurately refer to as anime. (Scott Pilgrim received one of those in the form of a tie-in short back in 2010, in tandem with the live-action film’s release.)
Better yet, regular Netflix collaborator Science Saru would be in charge of the animation. The studio is behind some of the most provocative, imaginative works of the last 10 years, from Devilman Crybaby to Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! and Space Dandy. (If you are not familiar with at least one of these, please log off and get to it.)
But who would bring our favorite Canadian losers to life this time around? Good news: The entire cast of the beloved Scott Pilgrim vs. the World happened to be available. My reaction, in one word? “Asgdfhjgukl;.”