Jinkies! Netflix Signs Deal For Live-Action ‘Scooby-Doo’ Reboot

Netflix is taking a crack at a “Scooby-Doo” series, and this time, it’s going full live-action. Yep, the Mystery Inc. gang is getting a fresh origin story, complete with summer camp shenanigans, spooky mysteries, and (of course) a lovable Great Dane puppy. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just here for the nostalgia, this one’s got serious potential.

Live-Action Versions of “Scooby-Doo” 

Let’s be real: live-action “Scooby-Doo” has been a mixed bag over the years. The early 2000s movies (“Scooby-Doo” and “Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed”) are straight-up classics, thanks to a killer cast; Freddie Prinze Jr. as Fred, Sarah Michelle Gellar as Daphne, Linda Cardellini as Velma, and Matthew Lillard as the most perfect Shaggy to ever exist. Lillard crushed it so hard that he went on to voice Shaggy in animated projects for nearly 20 years.

Photo by Warner Bros.

Since then, the franchise has gone in… interesting directions. There was the “Daphne & Velma” spinoff, a couple of straight-to-TV movies (“Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins” and “Scooby-Doo! Curse of the Lake Monster”), and HBO’s “Velma” series, which sparked a lot of debate. But through it all, “Scooby-Doo” has remained a pop culture staple. Now, Netflix is stepping up to the plate with a new live-action series, and it sounds promising.

What We Know About Netflix’s Scooby-Doo

Instead of diving right into Mystery Inc.’s usual hijinks, according to Variety, this series is giving us an origin story with eight episodes (to begin with). The setup? It’s the gang’s last summer at camp, and Shaggy and Daphne stumble into a supernatural mystery; plus one very special dog. Along the way, they team up with Velma, the town’s most logical local, and Fred, described as a “thrill-seeker with a dark side” (which… intriguing).

The show (which was said to be in-development back in April 2024) is coming from some pretty big names. Greg Berlanti known for his work on “Riverdale” and the CW “Arrowverse” is producing, with Josh Appelbaum and Scott Rosenberg (who both worked on “Cowboy Bebop” and “Citadel”) leading the writing team. 

Berlanti told Variety, that there is “no mystery why audiences continue to love these iconic characters after more than a half century,” and they are “excited for a new generation to discover Mystery Inc.” He also mentioned being “grateful” to ”Netflix for the opportunity.” It seems as though they want to keep the classic “Scooby-Doo” spirit alive while giving us something fresh. And Netflix’s VP of Scripted Series Peter Friedlander is hyping the series up as a “world of groovy adventures for a new era.” He said, the “beloved franchise has had an impact on pop culture that is undeniable.”

Basically, we’re getting a “Scooby-Doo” show that mirrors the vibes of the animated series, with heart, mystery, and camp vibes (literally). If they nail the tone and don’t skimp on the classic “meddling kids” energy, this could be the “Scooby” revival fans have been waiting for.