In a conversation about the home video launch for Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Bryan Lee O’Malley, the creator, sat with Ellen Wong, who portrays Knives Chau. The chat first appeared in an older issue of The Mag, and now the interview is revived from the vault for a new audience. This reflection, drawn from a 2010 interview with The Mag, frames the next chapters of the Scott Pilgrim story and its fans’ memories.
Readers get a snapshot of what the two hoped would resonate as the film rolled out on DVD and Blu-ray. They discuss the energy of the release, the fan response, and the chance to revisit the production from a fresh perspective.
Asked about Blu-ray bonus materials, the team offers candid notes. Bryan jokes that bloopers are worth the watch because the crew produced some hilarious misfires. Ellen admits she has not yet watched every feature but is eager to see the making of documentary. Bryan adds that living through the project felt like watching home movies unfold for the world, an idea he finds wonderfully odd and meaningful. This sense of intimacy sums up their mindset as fans rediscover the film on home video. This exchange comes from a 2010 interview in The Mag.
Promotion tours took them from Comic-Con to cities across the map, a rite of passage for a new franchise. They remember the energy, the long lines, and the shared love of the source material.
Ellen reflects on Comic-Con as a launching pad for their press campaign. The fans formed a line of excitement, the room buzzing with love for the comics and the film, and her own enthusiasm grew with every encounter.
She describes the experience of reading the Scott Pilgrim comics, and how the grounded tone amid a fantastical world appealed to her. It was her first time reading a comic, an eye opening moment that broadened her creative appetite.
From Bryan’s side, he notes six years of work with a growing audience, and how the reception at such events reinforced the momentum of the adaptation.
At debut, roughly 1,200 fans packed the Comic-Con room to watch the film. The cast settled in together for a first screening, then repeated the experience two more nights, with a similar turnout. The atmosphere left them stunned and energized.
Ellen describes training as a bonding experience. She jokes about not aiming a head kick, later explaining how the choreography introduced everyone and built friendships before principal photography.
Bryan mentions sword fighting and other martial arts introduced to the cast, which expanded Ellen’s horizons. The training became a doorway to new artistry and a stronger commitment to her character.
Ellen adds that sword work and martial arts were thrilling, and the period was a doorway to a broader set of skills.
Bryan notes her zeal in training, with teammates nicknaming her Ellenator for her intensity.
Ellen says training remains a highlight and that it truly opened her eyes to how far she could push her craft.
Knives’ nickname and Ellen’s portrayal are both explained; the name carries an edge and a sense of rebelliousness. It also contrasts with how the world views the character.
Ellen and Bryan discuss the transition from page to screen, not as a jarring shift but as a natural progression that honored the creator’s original vision.
Director Edgar Wright once described Ellen as a sweet faced young lady with a secret badass streak. She wonders if that verdict is wholly flattering or just accurate.
Ellen answers that it feels right. She sees Knives as honest, uninhibited, and authentic, the kind of character who reveals real emotion without pretension.
Bryan agrees that the balance of innocence and strength is key to the character, a trait that drew Wong to the role.
Ellen explains what she was like at 17 and why that sense of passion resonates with Knives. She says many people feel a Knives moment during their own discovery of a dream.
Bryan offers his take: Knives starts with pure enthusiasm and evolves through adversity into a capable protagonist who can stand beside the lead.
Fans often ask how the character is approached in a non crazy way. Ellen says the goal was to render the emotions as real as possible rather than forced or exaggerated.
Ellen says she did not chase crazy; she let the character’s feelings guide her, trusting the truth of the moment to carry the performance.
She recalls the 17-year-old version of herself and how that sense of obsession mirrored Knives, a person wholly devoted to something she loves.
She adds that many of us carry a Knives inside, a person who loves deeply and pursues a dream with focus and grit.
Asked why the name Knives, the creators share a story about a real breakup and a joke that stuck, along with ongoing conversations about what the name signals.
Bryan describes how the name fits the character and the tone, plus the practical note that audiences don’t comment on ethnicity, they notice the character’s energy.
Going from script to page to screen, Bryan admits it was surreal yet not jarring because he remained close to the production.
He recalls being present through the entire process and being mind blown by the final assembled film.
With new projects on the horizon, the team hints at more adventures while keeping details under wraps.
Bryan described a follow up interview, but Ellen stayed on to answer a few more questions.
Readers asked about Knives looks and Ellen emphasizes that no single look dominates; each has a purpose and reflects an inner state.
She explains changes in hair and style as markers of growth, not just fashion.
What playing Knives has meant in her life comes next. Ellen describes the experience as a launchpad for confidence and pursuit of her dreams.
She credits the film for connecting her with a remarkable cast and crew, teaching her to go after what she loves.
Working with Michael Cera stands out as a highlight. Ellen praises his humor, sincerity, and ability to create a comfortable set, a place where everyone could learn.
The Blu-ray extras include behind the scenes footage and music videos, expanding how audiences experience the story beyond the screen.
With gratitude, the interview closes, acknowledging the cast and creators for sharing these memories with fans.
Thank you to Ellen Wong and Bryan Lee O’Malley.