Major Update for Scooby-Doo Live-Action TV Series

The Mystery Machine Gang might be heading back to television with a brand-new twist. A live-action Scooby-Doo series is in the works for Netflix, brought to life by Berlanti Productions, known for their work on Riverdale and the Arrowverse. Fans are eagerly speculating about this fresh take on the beloved franchise. For almost a year, details about the new Scooby-Doo project have been scarce, but producer Greg Berlanti recently shared an exciting update.

In an interview with Deadline, Berlanti opened up about his personal connection to Scooby-Doo and hinted at the current progress on the series. “One of my first jobs in this business was as a temp at Hanna-Barbera,” Berlanti shared. “I’d sit with Joe Barbera and Bill Hanna while they autographed animation cels. I’d go in the morning, retrieving a bunch of these animation cels with my boss. Bill Hanna’s office was very stoic and spare. Then came my favorite part of the day, going to see Joe Barbera. He was such a life force, always stopping to regale me with the greatest stories. He was such a raconteur.”

Berlanti added, “Joe would tell stories of how Scooby was created, what they were thinking, and how it was the late ’60s when kids felt under assault by adults, feeling overwhelmed and in need of empowerment. When they pitched it to Bill Paley, he suggested they needed a dog or something. And that was the birth of Scooby-Doo. Joe was a special storyteller, and I was in awe. Having loved them as a kid, you feel lucky to be the historian who helps bring them into a new generation. You just return to the spirit and the DNA of what makes them special. With Scooby-Doo, we heard pitches for a year and a half and finally found one that truly captured it. I was working on the pitch for the first episode this morning. We’re really pumped.”

While specific plot details about the Scooby-Doo series are still under wraps, it is expected to be a one-hour drama. The creative minds behind the series, Josh Appelbaum and Scott Rosenberg, are tasked with creating, writing, and potentially serving as executive producers if the show comes to fruition. Other executive producers include Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, and Leigh London Redman from Berlanti Productions, as well as André Nemec and Jeff Pinkner from Midnight Radio. Additionally, Jonathan Gabay and Adrienne Erickson of Berlanti Productions would act as co-executive producers.

As fans eagerly await more information, there’s a palpable excitement surrounding this fresh, live-action interpretation of Scooby-Doo. The series promises a new, dynamic take on the classic tale while remaining true to the charm and spirit that has endeared Scooby-Doo to audiences for decades. With such a talented and passionate team behind the project, the Mystery Machine’s latest adventure is set to captivate a new generation of fans.

Although the exact direction of the show is still a mystery, the involvement of high-caliber producers and writers ensures a level of quality and respect for the original material. Berlanti’s nostalgic reflections and hands-on approach provide a reassuring glimpse into a series driven by both innovation and reverence for its roots.

The anticipation builds as we await the unfolding of this new chapter in the Scooby-Doo saga. Until more details are revealed, fans can rest assured that the essence of Scooby-Doo—the quirky humor, mysterious adventures, and timeless friendship—will remain at the heart of this exciting new series.

Source: Deadline