Scooby-Doo has finally gone to the dogs, literally.
Netflix has released a first look at the title character in its live-action series “Scooby-Doo: Origins,” revealing that Scooby will be played by a real Great Dane puppy. The streamer shared a photo on June 8, along with a brief teaser video showing Scooby-Doo sniffing around in the woods before Shaggy picks him up.
It marks the first time in the franchise’s history that Scooby-Doo will be played by an actual dog in a live-action project. In the 2002 “Scooby-Doo” movie and its 2004 sequel, the character was created digitally.
“Scoby-Doo: Origins” is described as a “modern reimagining” of the long-running mystery comedy franchise. The series is being developed by Greg Berlanti, the producer behind shows including “Arrow” and “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.”
The main cast includes Mckenna Grace as Daphne, Tanner Hagen as Shaggy, Abby Ryder Fortson as Velma and Maxwell Jenkins as Fred.
“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,” the logline reads. “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.”
Netflix says “Scooby-Doo: Origins” is the first live-action television series based on “Scooby-Doo.”
Recent versions of the franchise include the 2020 animated film “Scoob!,” which skipped a traditional theatrical release because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and “Velma,” the Mindy Kaling animated comedy aimed at adults that was canceled after two seasons.
Linda Cardellini, who played Velma in the live-action films, told USA TODAY at the Gotham TV Awards on June 1 that she is looking forward to the Netflix series and advised the new cast to “have fun.”
“[Abby Ryder Fortson is] gonna be wonderful,” Cardellini said. “I’m such a fan. I was a fan of ‘Scooby-Doo’ before I was in it, and I’m a fan still to this day, so I will be watching. I’m so excited.”
Matthew Lillard told USA TODAY last year that he would be open to playing a different character in the Netflix show, but said he doubts he will play Shaggy again in live-action.
“He’s a meddling teenager,” Lillard said. “I’m almost 60 freaking years old. I know AI can do a lot, but I would be shocked if I went back.”
Netflix has not announced a specific release date for “Scooby-Doo: Origins,” but says the series will premiere in 2027.
Read more from USA Today.
