Netflix to cast a real dog as Scooby-Doo in live-action series

Netflix will produce a live-action series titled Scooby-Doo: Origins, scheduled for 2027, that will depict the founding of Mystery Incorporated — Fred, Shaggy, Daphne, Velma and Scoob — at a teen summer camp. The production will cast a real dog to play Scooby-Doo.

Frank Welker, who voiced Fred and Scooby for more than 20 years, will provide Scooby’s voice. The human cast includes Maxwell Jenkins as Fred, McKenna Grace as Daphne, Ryder Fortson as Velma and Tanner Hagen as Shaggy. A recent column criticized the decision to use an actual dog and took issue with the series title, saying it imposes a self-seriousness on a franchise built around a talking hound.

The piece also noted Scooby’s long history, including his 1969 cartoon debut, 38 direct-to-video releases and earlier film versions such as the Freddie Prinze Jr. and Sarah Michelle Gellar movie.

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