VirtualGirl and WITA nabbed the chance to speak with the mind and vision behind Scott Pilgrim, Bryan Lee O’Malley, at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con. What kind of details did he spill about the future of the book and how it came to be? What else awaits fans in the coming months?
Photo via radiomaru.com
Girls Entertainment Network: First question—and it’s kind of broad—how was Scott Pilgrim conceived? Because of his mannerisms and personality he is a believable character, but then he is thrust into these extraordinary situations. How did that come to be?
Bryan Lee O’Malley: That’s a really tough question to answer! [Laughs] I think that he was in part inspired by me. I wanted to create a character that was a really big dumbass, because it’s easier, and he kind of just screws everything up, but he is still lovable in a weird way. And he is also in a band that’s not very good.
GEN: It may seem obvious, but from the references in the book is it safe to say that you are a video game fan?
O’Malley: When I was that age I was definitely into that sort of thing. Not as much in my early twenties, but when I was in school I definitely played way too many video games.
GEN: And I read that you were also in a band? Was it good?
O’Malley: No … Not really. [Laughs]
GEN: So obviously you’ve played a lot of video games. What would you say is your favorite?
O’Malley: My favorite? I would say that Chrono Trigger is my favorite. It’s a role-playing game from the 90s. And I just got the new version recently and I haven’t really played it yet because I’ve been really super busy.
GEN: Did you plan out the entire story arc when you first started? All of the evil exes? Or did you flesh it out as you went, using the feedback from friends?
O’Malley: A little bit of each. After I did the first book we started taking about this movie thing, and so they needed to know what was going on. So I had to make it up at that point.
GEN: So the movie has been in-the-works for some time now?
O’Malley: Yes, it’s been a long process.
GEN: You had some colored pages in the fourth book. Why did you decide to switch things up, and will we be seeing more of that?
O’Malley: It was summertime in that book and so I wanted to try something really colorful and surprising. I won’t be doing any more color in the next book, but we are probably going to do a color version of the series when we are done.
Photo via radiomaru.com
GEN: Has the reception and excitement about the books been a surprise? Was it a slow build or an overwhelming response?
O’Malley: It’s been a slow build—very gradual. The first book didn’t sell very much and it was released very quietly. But as the years have gone by more and more people have liked it. And then they hear about the movie and they want to check it out. It’s a weird effect. It’s gotten way bigger than I would have ever expected.
GEN: And we recently heard that a game is also in the works?
O’Malley: As of 4:00 today we are allowed to talk about it! Ubisoft Montreal is doing the game, and it will be a side-scrolling fighting/brawling game. But that’s about all I can tell you at this point.
GEN: Can you give us a little teaser for the last book?
O’Malley: No, not really. It’s hard for me because I am still right in the middle of it. So I don’t honestly know … my mind is all over the place. So it’s hard for me to talk about it.
GEN: Will it be done around February?
O’Malley: Later than that. April, May … maybe June. When I am done!
GEN: As far as casting for the movie, how involved were you in that process?
O’Malley: I was actually really involved. More involved that I ever thought I would be. I saw all the casting videos and I was really involved in that process. So I was able to see a lot of potential variations on the characters.
GEN: How did Michael Cera get involved in the casting?
O’Malley: I heard, like, way back that he was a fan of the books, but at that time he was so young. But then years passed and now he is perfect.
GEN: I think we all agree that he is a pretty good fit for Scott.
O’Malley: He is awesome.
GEN: After the last book comes out, is that the end of Scott Pilgrim? Is there any chance he will continue on as a character? Or would he retire?
O’Malley: I feel like I wouldn’t do another one with him as the main character. Because his story arch is over. But another story like that.
GEN: I think Knives would be a good character for a spinoff … [Laughs]
O’Malley: She totally would! [Laughs]
Visit the official Scott Pilgrim website at scottpilgrim.com and Bryan Lee O’Malley’s blog at radiomaru.com. Scott Pilgrim is published by Oni Press.
August 14th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
what a great interview
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August 14th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Yes, Michael Cera is pretty awesome.
August 14th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
Wow I didn’t know the movie’s roots really went back that far. I’m glad we have more to look forward to than just one more book, with the movie and now a game too. It’s awesome to see a comic like this grow so much. Truly, Bryan Lee O’Malley is living the dream! Or at least my dream. I’d definitely like to see a color version of the series too, just as a bonus. I have no qualms with buying all of the books again, haha. Great end to a great week!
August 15th, 2009 at 11:38 am
The movie will turn out great even if there is some doubt about Michael Cera’s portrayal.
August 16th, 2009 at 7:47 am
He has alot of hidden backstory aswell to write about. Like all that new york stuff. Could make a nice volume. But yes, seeing Knives rise to stardom would also be kinda awesome.