Netflix Is Making a Live-Action Scooby-Doo Origin Series — Here’s Everything We Know
Netflix announced in March 2025 that it is producing a live-action origin series based on the Scooby-Doo franchise, described as a “modern reimagining” of the beloved Hanna-Barbera characters.
The Premise
The show’s description says the series follows “old friends Shaggy and Daphne team up at summer camp with scientific townie Velma and the strange but handsome Fred to solve the mystery of a lonely lost Great Dane puppy — who may have witnessed a supernatural murder.”
This is an origin story. It goes back to the very beginning, showing how the members of Mystery Inc. first met.
Who’s Behind It
The series is executive produced by Scott Rosenberg and Josh Appelbaum, along with Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman (via Berlanti Productions), and André Nemec and Jeff Pinkner (via Midnight Radio). The project stems from Berlanti Productions’ overall deal with Warner Bros. Television.
Berlanti’s personal connection to the franchise’s origins stands out. He told Netflix’s Tudum: “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!”
Berlanti isn’t just a producer with a deal — he personally sat alongside the actual creators of these characters early in his career.
McKenna Grace as Daphne
The first major casting announcement: McKenna Grace will play Daphne. She confirmed the news on Instagram on Feb. 17, sharing a screenshot of a Deadline article alongside a childhood photo of herself dressed as Daphne.
“Oh my jeepers,” Grace wrote. “I can’t believe life is real I could cry all over again just looking at this announcement. So thankful, SO excited.”
Grace has history with the franchise. She previously voiced young Daphne in the 2020 animated film Scoob!
She has been building a substantial career across genres. She most recently appeared in Regretting You and Five Nights at Freddy’s 2. She is also set to appear in Scream 7 and The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping as Maysilee Donner.
What’s Still Missing
Additional casting for Shaggy, Velma and Fred has not yet been announced. No premiere date has been revealed either.
The remaining casting reveals will be closely watched, as each member of Mystery Inc. carries deeply specific expectations from fans about look, personality and chemistry.
BOTTOM LINE: The pieces in place so far — a producer who personally knew the franchise’s creators, and a lead actress who grew up dreaming of the role — suggest a project built with affection for the original, but fans will be watching closely for the remaining cast and a premiere date.
Production of this article included the use of AI. It was reviewed and edited by a team of content specialists.
