Brie Larson played several memorable supporting roles before her breakthrough in the acclaimed independent drama Short Term 12.
A fan favorite is her portrayal of Scott Pilgrim’s ex-girlfriend Natalie V. “Envy” Adams in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.
Brie Larson, at 19, captures the essence of Natalie V. ‘Envy’ Adams in ‘Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,’ embodying the role of the charismatic lead singer of the fictional band Black Sheep (Credit: Universal Pictures)
Brie Larson as Envy Adams: A Transformative Role
The 2010 comedy film, which has garnered a cult following, premiered after a panel discussion at the San Diego Comic-Con International on July 22, 2010, when Brie Larson was 20.
Principal photography began in March 2009 in Toronto when Brie was 19—filming wrapped as scheduled in August, just weeks before Brie’s 20th birthday on October 1, 2009.
Method to the Madness: Larson’s Approach to Playing Envy Adams
Brie Larson’s interest in the film stemmed from her admiration for Edgar Wright’s work. Although unfamiliar with the Scott Pilgrim books, she was drawn to the character of Envy Adams after seeing a sketch of her.
Seeking inspiration for the role, Larson observed the presentation and demeanor of female stars at the Adult Video Awards. She noticed a prevalent display of vanity among them, which influenced her to model Envy Adams’ voice and body language after these models.
Brie Larson radiates at the European premiere of ‘Scott Pilgrim vs The World’ in London, August 18, 2010, showcasing her versatile acting prowess (Credit: Dennis Van Tine / Future Image / Ivan Nikolov / Rob Rich / WENN)
Envy Adams was depicted as a redhead in the original comic book series. However, this detail was unclear in the initial editions since they were printed in black and white. When it came to the film adaptation, Brie Larson experimented with a red wig for the role. However, the look wasn’t quite right for her, leading to a decision to alter Envy Adams’ hair color to blonde for the film.
Filmmaker Edgar Wright recalls Brie Larson blowing everyone away when she showed up to read for a role in Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World.
Brie Larson’s audition was just amazing. I’d seen a long line of people coming into the Universal lot to audition, and some people who were reasonably established. Brie – who was 19 at the time, maybe she was even 18 when she auditioned – blew everybody else away. Jared [LeBoff, Scott Pilgrim executive producer] and I both said afterward, “We’ve got to cast her.”
Brie Larson shows off her feet in ugly shoes on the red carpet (Credit: Dennis Van Tine / Future Image / Ivan Nikolov / Rob Rich / WENN)
Does Brie Larson sing in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World?
Yes, Larson performs the song “Black Sheep” with the band Metric. She sings the vocals for “Black Sheep” in the film, while the soundtrack features a version of the song with Metric’s lead singer, Emily Haines, as lead singer.
Due to the enduring fan enthusiasm for Larson’s performance, this version of “Black Sheep” was eventually included in the 10th-anniversary edition of the film’s soundtrack, released in June 2021.
Larson’s rendition proved to be a significant hit, marking her return to the Billboard Charts for the first time since 2005, highlighting the enduring appeal and impact of her musical contribution to the film.
Award-Winning Performance in ‘Room’
Make “Room” for Brie Larson! In January 2016, the American actress received massive praise for her role as Joy “Ma” Newsome in the 2015 independent drama film Room.
“Brie Larson elegantly styled with blonde curls at the National Board of Review Gala, New York City, January 5, 2016, demonstrating her grace and versatility as an actress (Credit: Dennis Van Tine / Future Image / Ivan Nikolov / Rob Rich / WENN)
After receiving nods and nominations from BAFTA, Brie won the Best Actress award at the National Board of Review Gala in New York.
Brie Larson in an audacious Giambattista Valli ensemble at the National Board of Review Gala, presenting a bold mix of lace, sequins, and embroidery (Credit: Dennis Van Tine / Future Image / Ivan Nikolov / Rob Rich / WENN)
Fashion on the Red Carpet: Larson’s Unique Style
Though her acting has received much-deserved credit, her outfit that night won’t get the same praise from us. We were not too thrilled with her mixed-patterned dress.
The combination of black lace, blue sequins, and beige embroidery was odd. Plus, it didn’t do her fit figure any justice.
Brie Larson’s Giambattista Valli dress features black lace, blue sequins, and an embroidered beige skirt (Credit: Dennis Van Tine / Future Image / Ivan Nikolov / Rob Rich / WENN)
Her outfit is from the Fall 2015 Couture Collection of Giambattista Valli.
Brie Larson pairs an eccentric Giambattista Valli dress with simple black pumps (Credit: Dennis Van Tine / Future Image / Ivan Nikolov / Rob Rich / WENN)
She paired the dress with an Edie Parker clutch in black, a pair of black satin Brian Atwood “Maniac” pumps, and a winning smile.
Brie Larson’s feet in black satin Brian Atwood pumps (Credit: Dennis Van Tine / Future Image / Ivan Nikolov / Rob Rich / WENN)
A close-up of Brie Larson’s elegant black satin Brian Atwood ‘Maniac’ pumps, complementing her outfit with classic simplicity (Credit: Dennis Van Tine / Future Image / Ivan Nikolov / Rob Rich / WENN)
Brie’s exact Brian Atwood pumps are no longer available, but you can still snag the “Maniac” pumps in black and gray patent leather from Amazon.
Brian Atwood “Maniac” Patent Leather Platform Pumps in Black, $799
Brian Atwood “Maniac” Patent Leather Platform Pumps in Grey, $799