Scott Pilgrim Returns as an Animated Series on Netflix
A fresh chapter in the Scott Pilgrim saga arrives on screen as Netflix orders an anime adaptation based on Brian Lee O’Malley’s beloved comic book series. The announcement signals a new chapter for fans who have followed Scott Pilgrim’s adventures from comics to film and now into animation, expanding the universe for a global audience, including viewers in Canada and the United States. The project aims to bring the original vibe of the graphic novels to life through a vibrant, dynamic animation style that honors the source material while embracing contemporary storytelling techniques.
In a moveset that excites long-time supporters, the voice cast from the live-action world is set to reprise their roles for the animated format. Michael Cera will voice Scott Pilgrim, alongside Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Ramona Flowers, Kieran Culkin returning as Wallace Wells, Chris Evans stepping into the ring as Lucas Lee, Anna Kendrick voicing Stacey Hadji, Brie Larson portraying Jealous of Adams, Aubrey Square appearing as Julie Powers, Jason Schwartzman taking on The Gideon Tombs, and Ellen Wong returning as Nives Chau. The return of these performers signals a strong continuity between the film adaptation and the new anime, while allowing the characters to inhabit a broader, more expansive universe on streaming.
The show’s creative leadership centers on the original comic creators, with Brian Lee O’Malley and BenDavid Grabinski writing and producing. They will also serve as showrunners for the project, which began development in early 2022. Edgar Wright, who directed and co-wrote the 2010 Scott Pilgrim feature, will join the production as a co-producer for the anime adaptation. This collaboration is framed as a bridge between the comic’s original vision and a fresh, animated interpretation that can explore new story threads and richer character arcs while preserving the core mood that fans associate with the series.
Speaking about the decision to reassemble the original cast for this new format, Wright noted that reusing the same performers adds a layer of continuity that fans will appreciate. After the 2010 film’s release, the creative team held Q&A sessions and charity events with the audience, and the group has discussed the potential for revisiting the material in varied formats. The new anime is positioned as a natural evolution, expanding the universe beyond its prior boundaries and letting the cast lend their voices to an epic, ongoing adventure. As Variety has reported, the team emphasizes that the project is designed to broaden the storytelling canvas and deliver a robust, character-driven experience to audiences worldwide (Variety).
The Scott Pilgrim comic series ran from 2004 to 2010, following a Toronto-based, video game–loving bassist who falls for Ramona Flowers and must confront seven “evil exes” to win her heart. The graphic novels blend retro gaming aesthetics with indie music energy and sharp humor, creating a distinctive cultural texture that has resonated with readers for years. The upcoming anime promises to honor that texture while exploring animated possibilities that the comic pages could not fully realize. It’s a project that aims to delight longtime fans and welcome a new generation of viewers into Scott Pilgrim’s unique world (O’Malley; Grabinski).
Meanwhile, other shows and series in development continue to shape the broader landscape of streaming, with networks remixing familiar IP into new formats. The Scott Pilgrim anime sits among these efforts as a case study in how an established property can evolve across media, offering fresh perspectives while preserving the elements that defined its original charm. The renewal and expansion of such stories underscore a trend in contemporary entertainment: trusted creators, returning talent, and streaming platforms collaborating to deliver immersive experiences without losing the essence that made the property popular to begin with (industry commentary).