Movies

‘Scott Pilgrim vs. the World’ Shouldn’t Get a Sequel, Despite Michael Cera’s Interest

'Scott Pilgrim vs. the World' star Michael Cera recently voiced his interest in a sequel. Here's why it shouldn't happen.

by Robert Yaniz Jr.

Published on April 23, 2020

3 min read

‘Scott Pilgrim vs. the the World’ has developed a devoted cult following

In hindsight, it’s easy to see why Wright’s movie didn’t break into the mainstream. The director’s signature style has always been more niche than mainstream. And Scott Pilgrim vs. the World was a property previously only known to faithful fans. Besides, the film’s frenetic pace and absurdist humor might not work as well for the uninitiated.

Yet, the storyline — which centers on Scott’s (Cera) quest to defeat his new love’s (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) exes — has a lot to say about maturity, relationships, and responsibility. Viewers just have to be willing to see it through Wright’s admittedly hyper-stylized and fantastical world. Those who already have a soft spot for indie rock and video games are pre-sold.

In the decade since its release, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World has become a fan favorite. In part, this is due to its wry humor, deep themes, and unapologetically wacky tone. But its cast is also the stuff of legend. Chris Evans, Brie Larson, Anna Kendrick, Aubrey Plaza, Jason Schwartzman, Mae Whitman, Kieran Culkin, and Brandon Routh all appear in key roles.

Michael Cera and Mary Elizabeth Winstead are open to a sequel

That ensemble cast also seems to be the major reason Cera would be interested in pursuing a sequel. With the 10th anniversary just around the corner, ComicBook.com recently caught up with the actor to gauge his interest in returning to the role. And it doesn’t sound like Cera is afraid to revisit the material.

For me, that “well” would just mean being around that group again. It was such a great group. Fortunately, we all do get together, and it really was like a great band or something and we all loved being around each other and that happens, obviously, less and less. … It’s 10 years later, so obviously life, for everybody, is doing their own thing. If it meant getting everyone to hang out for a while again, I would love that. Hopefully, this being the 10th anniversary, it will give us some excuse to get together.

By the sounds of it, Cera would be just as satisfied with a cast reunion as an actual sequel. If the 2020 San Diego Comic-Con hadn’t been canceled, fans perhaps could have counted on a panel of sorts. But as it stands, perhaps Cera and company would be at least willing to host some kind of virtual watch party.

But is Edgar Wright’s film better off without a second installment?

Cera isn’t the only Scott Pilgrim vs. the World alum willing to come back for a sequel. Winstead too is open to returning as Ramona Flowers. The Birds of Prey actress is particularly curious to see where the twenty-something slackers of the first film are now in their thirties. Yet, Winstead’s curiosity reveals exactly why a sequel wouldn’t work.

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is, at its heart, a coming-of-age story for Scott. Once that change has occurred (in a poignant ending, no less), the hook that holds the movie’s fast-and-loose rules together disappears. The film’s critics accuse it of being style over substance. And with little narrative runway left — the film covers all O’Malley’s comics — it could devolve into that.

In a 2010 interview, Wright spoke to the prospect of a sequel. Even he conceded there’s no more story to tell. Thanks to Baby Driver, the director has created his own (commercially successful) franchise. And the cast of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World are certainly keeping busy. As much as fans adore the film, it’s better off as the modern cult classic it has become.