Surprise Sonic the Hedgehog References Feature in 'Scott Pilgrim Takes Off'

Fans of both Bryan Lee O'Malley's iconic Scott Pilgrim graphic novel and Sonic the Hedgehog were handed a random treat this week, as the release of new Netflix animation 'Scott Pilgrim Takes Off' features an incredibly blunt reference to SEGA's mascot in the opening episode.

Warning: Potential spoilers for the first episode of 'Scott Pilgrim Takes Off' follows.

The Netflix animated series is sort of a re-adaptation of the original graphic novels, taking cues from and featuring practically the entire cast of the 2010 live-action movie adaptation 'Scott Pilgrim vs The World' (the movie's director, Edgar Wright, is involved in this new production as executive producer).

Despite the similarities to its live-action older cousin, this new show makes some creative differences - particularly in one early scene where titular protagonist Scott Pilgrim encounters the 'girl from his dreams', Ramona Flowers, at a house party.

Scott sidles up to Ramona and, in an awkward attempt at breaking the ice, throws up a random anecdote that just happens to involve Jaleel White's contributions to the two 1990s Sonic the Hedgehog cartoons ('Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog' and 'Sonic the Hedgehog').

Via Cybrid101

"You know Sonic the Hedgehog?" Scott begins. "You probably know this, but in the early 90s, there were two different Sonic cartoons airing at the same time. One was dark and dramatic. The other was a hilarious comedy about chili dogs. And the same guy played Sonic in both shows. Isn't that wild? The same guy playing two different versions of the same guy?"

Once he realises his interesting factoid doesn't land, Scott shies away and meekly squeaked, "Maybe you didn't watch cartoons, or you're not into chili dogs."

This cute exchange wasn't just fun for us Sonic fans to experience though; the anecdote is also completely different from the 'Pac-Man / Puck-Man' line that Scott hands Ramona during the same scene in the live-action movie.

The point of reference in the live-action movie focused on Pac-Man.

Of course, Scott Pilgrim is no stranger to Sonic the Hedgehog references in general. The original graphic novel included a few novel nods towards the game series, while the live-action movie is peppered with Sonic sound effects throughout. This is just another cool hat tip that not only shows Bryan Lee O'Malley's mutual love for the SEGA series, but also holds a mirror up to many of our own dating attempts as well.

Scott Pilgrim Takes Off is currently available to stream on Netflix.