Netflix has announced that filming has now wrapped on Scooby-Doo: Origins. The streamer has also shared a new look at the live-action reboot's adorable canine star along with his human castmates.
Joining Scooby-Doo will be fellow Mystery Inc. members Shaggy (Tanner Hagen), Daphne (Mckenna Grace), Velma (Abby Ryder Fortson), and Fred (Maxwell Jenkins).
It was generally assumed that Scooby would be brought to life via CGI, as he was in the previous live-action movies, and the reveal that he'll be played by a real Great Dane pup has been met with a mixed response from fans of the classic cartoon.
Will Scoob still speak in the show? We know that Frank Welker, who has played both Fred Jones and Scooby-Doo for more than five decades, is involved in some capacity, so we'll just have to wait and see.
The eight-episode series will focus on the origins of the Mystery Inc. gang and their first meeting with the lovable pooch of the title, who comes into their lives after witnessing a supernatural murder.
The official synopsis reads: “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.”
André Nemec and Jeff Pinkner will executive produce under their Midnight Radio banner, along with Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, and Leigh London Redman via Berlanti Productions.
“Mystery, Inc. is back in business! We’re excited to bring Scooby-Doo to TV as a live-action series for the first time,” said Peter Friedlander, vice president of scripted series for Netflix. “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.”
“One of my first and favorite jobs in Hollywood was sitting with Bill Hanna and Joe Barbera while they signed animation cells,” Berlanti said. “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!”
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with our longstanding partners at Berlanti Productions and with Midnight Radio to bring the legendary Scooby-Doo franchise to a live-action series for the first time,” said Clancy Collins White, president of creative affairs for Warner Bros. Television. “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.”