Summary
Scooby-Doois back, and this time, it’s Netflix that is producing a live-action series featuring the iconic pup and the Mystery Inc. gang. The announcement received mixed reactions on social media, with many showing concern about how it would turn out. However, they might all just be in for a pleasant surprise.
Scooby-Doohas been around since 1969, originally produced by Hanna-Barbera, which later became part of Warner Bros. Animation. The talking Great Dane and his friends transitioned to live-action with the 2002 cult classic film (written by present-day DCU boss James Gunn), which madeMatthew Lillard’s Shaggya pop culture icon. Many follow-ups tried to recreate this success, but they all fell short. The only things keeping the character mildly relevant were cartoon shows likeScooby-Doo! Mystery IncorporatedandWhat’s New, Scooby-Doo?However, that’s about to change.
Netflix Announces A Live-ActionScooby-DooSeries
Mystery Inc.’s Origin Story Is Going To Be Retold
On March 26, Netflix announced an eight-episode live-actionScooby-Dooseries. This new take on the classic Warner Bros. cartoon will explore how the mystery-solving gang and their famous dog first came together. The series comes from Greg Berlanti’s Berlanti Productions, the team behind the live-action Archieverse TV franchise, which includesRiverdaleandThe Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.Josh Appelbaum and Scott Rosenberg, who worked on Netflix’sCowboy Bebop, will be the showrunners.
According to the official logline from Netflix, this newScooby-Dooseries will revolve around Shaggy and Daphne during their last summer at Camp Ruby-Spears – a subtle nod tothe cartoon’s original creators, Joe Rubyand Ken Spears. The old friends uncover a mystery involving a lost Great Dane puppy who may have seen a supernatural murder. They team up with scientific townie, Velma, and the strange but ever-so-handsome new kid, Freddy. Together, they investigate a mysterious case that could expose their deepest secrets.
Essentially, this is an origin story exploring how theMystery Inc.gang first came together and tackled the haunting case that started it all. About a year ago, reports surfaced thatNetflix was considering this projectwith a script-to-series commitment. The series remains untitled, and no casting has been announced yet, though more details are expected soon. The show is unlikely to premiere for at least a couple of years, considering the production pace of most streaming shows.
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Based On
Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!(1969) by Joe Ruby & Ken Spears
A live-actionScooby-Dooorigin seriesmight have sounded like the best thing to happen to the franchise back in its glory days, especially after the 2000s films. However, today, there is significant concern about how it will be received, as recent years haven’t been kind to live-action adaptations of popular animated IPs. TakeCowboy Bebop, for example — Netflix’s version was canceled after just one disappointing season. Since the same showrunners are behindScooby-Doo, that’s not exactly reassuring.
However, they might deserve another chance. The originalCowboy Bebopanime was never meant to be adapted into live-action, as its unique space-western style was unlike anything seen before. ButScooby-Doo has already aced live-actionbefore, and there’s a solid blueprint from past movies to follow.
To give credit where it’s due, Netflix has had some success with live-action adaptations of animated hits.UnlikeCowboy Bebop,One Pieceremains one of the stronger attempts at adapting anime or manga to live-action.TheAddams FamilyspinoffWednesdayalso honored the franchise without straying too far from the spirit of the original cartoons.
Can Greg Berlanti Deliver A GreatScooby-DooSeries?
RiverdaleComparisons Vs. Past Successes LikeYou
SomeScooby-Doofans also seem to worry about Berlanti Productions leading the series, given their divisive work onRiverdale. However, the same production house is also behindYou,Stargirl, andSuperman & Lois, all of which have been successful. WithYouending next month, this project keeps Berlanti Productions active on Netflix. It also has personal meaning for Greg Berlanti, whospoke to Netflix’sTUDUMabout it:
One of my first and favorite jobs in Hollywood was sitting with Bill Hanna and Joe Barbera while they signed animation cels. 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 Warner and Netflix for the partnership in helping bring this iteration of Scooby-Doo to life!
Scooby-DooNeeds To Avoid AnotherVelmaDisaster
The Live-Action Series Should Embrace Campy Fun
The upcoming series needs to have a tone similar to the campy, meta-comedy of the 2000sScooby-Doomovies. But recreating that kind of camp isn’t easy, and this also might not be the best time to experiment. After all, Warner Bros. already alienated much of the fandom withthe disastrously receivedVelma. ManyScooby-Doofans simply want the franchise to return to its roots: silly, corny horror-comedy fun. But there are already a lot of positives to look out for.
For example, havingShaggy and Daphnestart out as old friends offers a fresh take on the story. Since this is the first-ever live-actionScooby-Dooseries (rather than a standalone film), it could allow more time for the Mystery Inc. gang to develop together. Starting with Scooby-Doo’s puppy years means the gang will likely be kids or preteens rather than older teens.
Can Netflix’sScooby-DooAppeal to All Ages?
Warner Bros. Tries An Outside Perspective
That doesn’t mean the show won’t appeal to older viewers, though.WithStranger Thingsending, Netflix might even try to incorporate some of its early supernatural mystery vibes if it suitsScooby-Doo’sstyle. However, fans are also cautious about Netflix’s apparent “modern reimagining,” especially with HBO’sVelmabeing the latest and most heavily pannedScooby-Dooproject.
So, this new live-action series on Netflix might just be a welcome change. Additionally, Warner Bros. partnering with Netflix for this project suggests that they gaveHBO Max its chance withVelmaand have now decided to try a different approach. Similar toDC’sThe Sandman, which is also a Warner Bros.-owned property licensed to Netflix,Scooby-Doocould benefit from an outside perspective rather than another in-house production.
