Classic children’s cartoon gets live action reboot – 21 years after hit movie version

A BELOVED cartoon is being rebooted for live-action – 21 years after a hit movie version.

Children have enjoyed Scooby-Doo's mystery-solving adventures for decades.

And now, Netflix has picked up a live-action reboot for eight episodes.

Its premise explores the origins of the iconic Mystery Inc, based on the iconic Hanna-Barbera characters.

The show's official logline reads: “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.”;

This news comes over two decades after a hit live-action Scooby-Doo feature film.

It starred Freddie Prinze Jr as Fred, Sarah Michelle Gellar as Daphne, Linda Cardellini as Velma and Matthew Lillard as Shaggy.

Two years later, the same cast returned for a sequel – titled Monsters Unleashed.

Live-action TV film “Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins”; and its sequel, released in 2009 and 2010, previously explored the gang's origin story.

Reacting to news of the reboot, a fan wrote on X: “Ohh this looks wildly promising.”

Another added: “So the whole season is 1 mystery? Interesting.”

While a third remarked: “Now this is something we all have been waiting for! Best news of 2025!”

Josh Appelbaum and Scott Rosenberg are set as writers and showrunners.

Peter Friedlander, vice president of scripted series for Netflix, said in a statement: “Mystery, Inc. is back in business!

“We’re excited to bring Scooby-Doo to TV as a live-action series for the first time.

“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.

Who's who in Scooby Doo?

By Conor O'Brien

Netflix have picked up a live-action Scooby-Doo reboot for eight episodes – introducing audiences to new versions of beloved characters.

But who exactly are the members of Mystery Inc?

Fred Jones – Typically depicted as the leader, as well as driver of the Mystery Machine. He is also usually the one who traps the villain and reveals their identity.

Daphne Blake – Fashionable, cheerful Daphne brings a sense of style to Mystery Inc. Sometimes depicted as Fred's love interest, she's sometimes prone to being captured.

Velma Dinkley – The gang's resident genius with an interest in the sciences. Also very well-known for losing her glasses and not being able to see as a result.

Norville “Shaggy” Rogers: Lovable, perpetually hungry Shaggy is Scooby-Doo's owner and best friend. He is also very cowardly and usually has to be persuaded into certain situations.

Scooby-Doo: The title character of the series, Scooby is a talking Great Dane who completes the Mystery Inc line-up. He shares many similarities with Shaggy – including his appetite and cowardice.

“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.”;

Executive producers include André Nemec and Jeff Pinkner under Midnight Radio, as well as Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, and Leigh London Redman via Berlanti Productions.

A separate Scooby-Doo reimagining, titled Velma, was recently cancelled after two seasons.

Starring Mindy Kaling, the adult animated sitcom aired on HBO Max and depicted the gang before Mystery Inc formed.