Zoinks! Netflix has started production on its live-action Scooby series, officially titled Scooby-Doo: Origins, with cameras rolling in Atlanta, Georgia.
While fans will have to wait a little longer to see the beloved Great Dane himself, we’ve finally got our first look at the human half of Mystery Inc.
The cast brings together a fresh group of young talent stepping into some very familiar roles. Maxwell Jenkins takes on Fred, Tanner Hagen is playing Shaggy, and Abby Ryder Fortson steps into Velma’s shoes. They join Mckenna Grace, who was previously announced as Daphne.
The series is described as “a modern reimagining of the iconic mystery-solving group of teens and their very special dog. 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.”
This sounds like it will deliver an eerie coming-of-age territory rather than the classic monster-of-the-week formula, which could give this version of the franchise a sharper edge while still holding onto the core friendship dynamic fans expect.
Running the show are Josh Appelbaum and Scott Rosenberg, whose credits include projects like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, Venom, and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. Directing the first episode is Toby Haynes, known for work on Andor and Black Mirror, and he’s also serving as an executive producer.
The project is backed by Greg Berlanti, along with Sarah Schechter and Leigh London Redman through Berlanti Productions, continuing their partnership with Warner Bros. Television.
This all traces back to Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!, the 1969 animated series from Hanna-Barbera that kicked off decades of mysteries, monsters, and unmaskings. Since then, Scooby-Doo has become a full-on pop culture staple, spanning multiple animated series, movies, and reboots.
Now, Scooby-Doo: Origins is aiming to peel things back and show how this iconic group came together in the first place. If it lands, it could be a fun and slightly darker take on a franchise that’s been solving mysteries for generations.
