A Decade in Reflection: How Edgar Wright Reinvented ‘The World’s End’ for a Larger Generation and Engaged a Larger Audience
Ten years ago, Edgar Wright presented the world with “The End of the World,” closing the acclaimed Cornetto trilogy. Today, ten years later, the director reflects on the creative journey that led him to create this cinematic masterpiece. From Wright’s youthful conception to the maturation of his artistic vision, they take us on a personal and professional journey of what it means to get back to basics.
The seed of “The End of the World” was planted in Wright’s mind when he was just 21 years old, and was originally conceived as a script for his second feature film. This early version tells the story of young friends visiting a pub, an idea that would later change to become Simon Pegg’s character Gary King’s introduction flashback in the final film.
Speaking to Inverse on the film’s 10th anniversary, Wright explained how this idea of youth evolved to suit characters in their thirties and forties, and how the idea of ”you can’t go back home” changes where one remembers their youth. On a grand scale, until the robot invasion.
The end of one era and the beginning of another
In a revealing contrast between his personal life and his characters, Wright admits that, like them, his perception of fame and importance in his hometown has changed over time. The once cherished ideal of youth has turned into a realization that the supposed anonymity never really existed. This personal evolution is clearly reflected in the “end of the world” narrative, where the protagonists’ glorified past becomes more earthly and, in some cases, at odds with earthly reality.
“The End of the World” not only marks the end of Cornetto’s trilogy, but also a turning point in Wright’s career. In “Scott Pilgrim vs. World” (2010) and “Baby Driver” (2017), “World’s End” stands out as a bridge between youth and maturity, for Wright and his characters. Pegg, himself a long-time Wright collaborator and collaborator with Nick Frost, has hinted that they are working on a new project, promising a completely different direction for their next collaboration.
Exploring the end of the ‘end of the world’
After “The End of the World,” Wright never stopped creating. His latest projects include the documentary “The Sparks Brothers” and the 2021 psychological thriller “Last Night in Soho.” Additionally, he began his executive production career with “Scott Pilgrim Takes It Off,” an animated adaptation of Brian Lee O’Malley’s graphic novel. These projects demonstrate Wright’s versatility and constant evolution as a filmmaker.
For those looking to relive the magic of “World’s End” or for the first time, the film is currently available on Prime Video and Apple TV+. A decade later, the film is a testament to Wright’s unique ability to blend genres, humor, and emotional depth to not only entertain, but resonate deeply with its audience.
Edgar Wright’s journey, from humble beginnings to his current position in the film industry, is a story of growth, innovation and renewal. “The End of the World” not only closes the trilogy, but also marks a milestone in the career of a director who defies expectations and pushes the boundaries of cinema. With each new project, Wright reminds us that the end of one world only marks the beginning of another.