The Mystery Inc. gang is making a comeback in the form of a live-action Scooby-Doo series on Netflix. The series is officially moving forward, with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol writer Josh Appelbaum and Venom and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle writer Scott Rosenberg spearheading the project as showrunners.
The eight-episode series will take fans back to the early days of Mystery Inc., focusing on how Shaggy, Daphne, Velma, and Freddy first cross paths with their soon-to-be beloved Great Dane. But don’t expect the usual lighthearted antics because this show kicks off with a supernatural murder.
According to the official synopsis, “During their final summer at camp, old friends Shaggy and Daphne get embroiled in a haunting mystery surrounding a lonely lost Great Dane puppy that may have been a witness to a supernatural murder.
“Together with the pragmatic and scientific townie, Velma, and the strange, but ever so handsome new kid, Freddy, they set out to solve the case that is pulling each of them into a creepy nightmare that threatens to expose all of their secrets.”
While the series is being described as a “one-hour drama,” it’s also being compared to Riverdale. That suggests we might be looking at a grittier take on the Scooby-Doo formula, which is something that will likely spark curiosity and debate among longtime fans.
André Nemec and Jeff Pinkner will executive produce under their Midnight Radio banner, alongside Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, and Leigh London Redman through Berlanti Productions.
Netflix’s Peter Friedlander, vice president of scripted series, is hyped about the project, saying: “Mystery, Inc. is back in business! We’re excited to bring Scooby-Doo to TV as a live-action series for the first time. The beloved franchise has had an impact on pop culture that is undeniable—it’s rich with universal themes of friendship that generations of fans have long embraced.
“Together with creative powerhouses Berlanti Productions and Midnight Radio, we’re committed to delighting longtime fans and opening up a world of groovy adventures for a new era of meddling kids.”
GBerlanti has a personal connection to the classic cartoon, recalling: “One of my first and favorite jobs in Hollywood was sitting with Bill Hanna and Joe Barbera while they signed animation cells.
“Josh and Scott and everyone at Midnight Radio have crafted a story that captures their amazing spirits and their genius creation. We are grateful to them and everyone at Warners and Netflix for the partnership in helping bring this iteration of Scooby-Doo to life!”
Clancy Collins White, president of creative affairs, Warner Bros. Television added: “It’s no mystery why audiences continue to love these iconic characters after more than a half-century. We’re excited for a new generation to discover Mystery Inc. And we’re grateful to our partners at Netflix for the opportunity.”
Fans have seen Scooby-Doo reimagined multiple times over the years, from the original Hanna-Barbera cartoon to the 2002 live-action films starring Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar, Matthew Lillard, and Linda Cardellini. But this Netflix series marks the first time Scooby-Doo has been brought to live-action for television.
In regards to how will Scooby himself be portrayed, nothing has been confirmed, but CGI seems like the obvious choice.
With a supernatural murder, a camp setting, and a darker tone, this could be a fun and interesting take on Scooby-Doo . We’ll just have to wait and see how it turns out and if fans will embrace this fresh approach.
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