Netflix Commissions First Live-Action ‘Scooby-Doo’ Series
Netflix has commissioned the first live-action Scooby-Doo series. The origin tale, based on the Hanna-Barbera series which premiered 56 years ago, is set for an eight-episode first season.
The “modern reimagining” takes place during the gang’s final summer at camp. Per Netflix:
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.
Netflix is no stranger to commissioning live-action adaptations of animated series, and has previously done the same with One Piece and Avatar: The Last Airbender.
The new Scoob series is being produced through Warner Bros. Television by Berlanti Productions (NBC’s Brilliant Minds and Found, and The CW’s All American) and Midnight Radio, which is the producing team of Josh Appelbaum, André Nemec, Jeff Pinkner, and Scott Rosenberg.
Peter Friedlander, vice president, scripted series at Netflix, said in a statement, “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.”
The showrunners/writers/executive producers are Appelbaum (writer, Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles [2014], Wonder Park) and Rosenberg (writer, Gone in 60 Seconds, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Venom).
Other EPs are Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman (via Berlanti Productions and its overall deal with Warner Bros. Television), André Nemec, and Jeff Pinkner (via Midnight Radio).