Netflix has given an eight-episode series order to a live-action reimagining of Warner Bros.’ classic Scooby-Doo cartoon that will track down the origins of the famous mystery-solving teen gang and their beloved dog. The project, from Midnight Radio, Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television, landed for development at the streamer in a competitive situation last spring with a premium, script-to-series commitment.
Written by Midnight Radio’s Josh Appelbaum and Scott Rosenberg (Cowboy Bebop) based on characters created by Hanna-Barbera, the yet untitled Scooby-Doo series crafts an origin story of how the Mystery Inc. group got together and first teamed up to crack the haunting case that started it all.
The synopsis says “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.”
Hopefully this will erase all memory of the critically panned Mindy Kaling animated ‘Velma’ series.
Two previous live-action Scooby-Doo movies were also produced by Warner Bros. and were both directed by Raja Gosnell. Scooby-Doo (2002) was written by James Gunn and grossed over $275 million worldwide, making it a commercial success despite mixed reviews. Its sequel, Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (2004), earned $181 million, falling short of expectations. Both films starred Matthew Lillard as Shaggy, Freddie Prinze Jr. as Fred, Sarah Michelle Gellar as Daphne, and Linda Cardellini as Velma. Due to the sequel’s poor performance, plans for a third film were scrapped.
Created by Joe Ruby and Ken Spears, the Scooby-Doo! franchise was first launched in 1969 with the duo’s first animated series Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! for then-Hanna-Barbera (later absorbed into Warner Bros. Animation).
via Deadline
English (US) · 