Netflix’s Live-Action Scooby-Doo Origin Series Is Sparking Major Fan Debate

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Summary

  • Netflix is producing a live-action Scooby-Doo series exploring the gang’s origin story.
  • Concerns have arisen due to past live-action adaptations, but Netflix aims to capture the essence of the original.
  • The show will delve into a mystery involving Shaggy, Daphne, Velma, and Fred, set during their formative years.

Once more, Scooby-Doo makes his appearance, and this time around, Netflix is responsible for the creation of a live-action series centered around the legendary canine character and the Mystery Inc. group. This news sparked a variety of opinions on social media, with some expressing worry about the outcome. Nevertheless, everyone might find themselves pleasantly surprised in the end.

Since 1969, the beloved character Scooby-Doo has been around, initially created by Hanna-Barbera and later incorporated into Warner Bros. Animation. The speaking Great Dane and his pals moved to live-action in the 2002 cult favorite movie, which immortalized Matthew Lillard’s Shaggy in pop culture. Numerous attempts to replicate this success followed, but none managed to match it. The only factors keeping the character somewhat relevant were cartoon series like “Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated” and “What’s New, Scooby-Doo?” However, that is soon to be altered.

Netflix Announces A Live-Action Scooby-Doo Series

Mystery Inc.’s Origin Story Is Going To Be Retold

On March 26th, it was revealed that Netflix is producing an eight-episode live-action series based on Scooby-Doo. This contemporary adaptation delves into the origins of the mystery-solving gang and their iconic canine companion. The production is from Greg Berlanti’s Berlanti Productions, known for creating the live-action Archieverse TV universe that encompasses shows like Riverdale and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. Josh Appelbaum and Scott Rosenberg, who have previously worked on Netflix’s Cowboy Bebop, will serve as executive producers for this series.

In this upcoming Netflix series of Scooby-Doo, Shaggy and Daphne’s final summer at Camp Ruby-Spears serves as the backdrop, a tribute to the show’s original creators Joe Ruby and Ken Spears. This time, an enigma surrounds a missing Great Dane puppy who might have witnessed a ghostly homicide. Joining forces with the brainy town resident Velma and the fresh-faced newcomer Freddy, they dig into this mysterious case that could potentially reveal their hidden truths.

fundamentally, this narrative delves into the beginnings of the Mystery Inc. team, revealing their first joint investigation and the chilling case that ignited it all. Approximately a year ago, whispers emerged about Netflix potentially greenlighting this project with a series commitment based on a script. As of now, the title for the show is undisclosed, and no actors have been confirmed yet, but further updates are anticipated shortly. The production timeline suggests that the series may not air for at least a couple of years, given the typical pace of television shows on streaming platforms.

Scooby-Doo Faces Serious Doubts After Cowboy Bebop Flop

Can This Netflix Live-Action Adaptation Actually Succeed?

Title TBD (Untitled Scooby-Doo Live-Action Series)
Platform Netflix
Episodes 8
Production Companies Berlanti Productions, Midnight Radio, Warner Bros. Television
Showrunners Josh Appelbaum, Scott Rosenberg
Based On Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! (1969) by Joe Ruby & Ken Spears

Discussing a potential live-action origin series of Scooby-Doo may have seemed like an exciting development for the franchise during its heyday, particularly following the release of films in the 2000s. However, given the recent history of live-action adaptations of well-known animated intellectual properties not being well-received, there is a growing apprehension about how this new series will be received. To illustrate, consider Netflix’s adaptation of Cowboy Bebop, which was terminated after a single underwhelming season. Given that the same showrunners are involved in Scooby-Doo, this doesn’t exactly instill confidence.

Yet, it could be argued that they merit another opportunity. Initially, the Cowboy Bebop anime was not intended for live-action adaptation due to its distinct space-western aesthetic, which had no precedent. However, Scooby-Doo has already excelled in live-action, and there’s a well-established roadmap from past films to guide the way.

It’s important to acknowledge Netflix’s achievements in bringing animated hits to life through live-action adaptations. While “Cowboy Bebop” didn’t fare as well, “One Piece” is a notable exception and demonstrates a commendable effort in adapting anime or manga into live-action. The spinoff of “The Addams Family,” titled “Wednesday,” managed to pay tribute to the franchise without veering too far from the essence of the original animated series.

Can Greg Berlanti Deliver A Great Scooby-Doo Series?

Riverdale Comparisons Vs. Past Successes Like You

Some “Scooby-Doo” enthusiasts have expressed concerns about Berlanti Productions handling the series, given their polarizing work on “Riverdale.” Yet, the same production company is also responsible for hits like “You,” “Stargirl,” and “Superman & Lois.” With “You” wrapping up next month, this project keeps Berlanti Productions busy on Netflix. Additionally, it holds a special significance for Greg Berlanti, who recently discussed it with Netflix’s “TUDUM.

Among my earliest cherished jobs in Hollywood was spending time with Bill Hanna and Joe Barbera as they autographed animation cells. The team at Midnight Radio, including Josh and Scott, have skillfully constructed a tale that encapsulates their extraordinary personalities and their iconic creation. We are thankful to them, as well as Warner and Netflix, for their collaboration in bringing this rendition of Scooby-Doo to fruition!

Scooby-Doo Needs To Avoid Another Velma Disaster

The Live-Action Series Should Embrace Campy Fun

The new series should maintain a playful, self-referential humor reminiscent of the 2000s Scooby-Doo films. However, emulating that level of camp is challenging and may not be optimal given current circumstances. It’s worth noting that Warner Bros.’ previous attempt with Velma didn’t sit well with many fans. The majority of Scooby-Doo enthusiasts are hoping for a revival that embraces its original spirit: lighthearted, cheesy horror-comedy entertainment. Nevertheless, there are several promising aspects to anticipate.

To put it simply, instead of portraying Shaggy and Daphne as new acquaintances in the story, we’re going to show them as long-time friends from the get-go. Since this is a continuous live-action Scooby-Doo series instead of a single film, it gives us an opportunity to delve deeper into the bond and growth of the Mystery Inc. team. By setting the story during Scooby’s puppy years, we can expect the gang members to be either kids or preteens as opposed to older teenagers.

Can Netflix’s Scooby-Doo Appeal to All Ages?

Warner Bros. Tries An Outside Perspective

The fact that the show won’t necessarily be unappealing to older audiences is still valid, though. Since Stranger Things has concluded, Netflix might opt to infuse some of its initial supernatural suspense elements into Scooby-Doo if it fits the character’s style. However, viewers are also wary about Netflix’s planned “modern update,” given the harsh criticism that HBO’s Velma, the latest and most criticized Scooby-Doo project to date, has received.

It seems this new live-action series on Netflix could offer a refreshing twist. Moreover, the collaboration between Warner Bros. and Netflix for this project implies that they’ve tried their hand with Velma on HBO Max and are now opting for a different strategy. In much the same way as DC’s The Sandman, another Warner Bros.-owned property licensed to Netflix, might gain from an external viewpoint instead of another internal production, Scooby-Doo could potentially thrive under this new perspective too.

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2025-03-29 19:26