Here’s Our Groovy Fan Cast for Netflix’s Live Action Scooby-Doo Series
Ruh-roh, I’ve been waiting for this one! Did our entire office group chat beg me to write this? No. Did I beg them to let me do it? Yes. Netflix has officially announced a live-action television adaptation of the beloved Hanna Barbera cartoon Scooby-Doo. The series will introduce audiences to a new generation of Mystery Inc. and tell the story of how the beloved gang started their life of super sleuthing. Josh Appelbaum and Scott Rosenberg are signed on as showrunners, and they promise to take us back to the case that started it all. In their official announcement, Netflix released this exciting logline: “In this modern reimagining, old friends Shaggy and Daphne team up at summer camp with scientific townie Velma and the strange but handsome Fred to solve the mystery of a lonely lost Great Dane puppy — who may have witnessed a supernatural murder.”
Don’t say it, don’t say it. I’m sorry, I have to say it. Gang, it looks like we have a mystery on our hands! I love a good origin story as much as the next guy, but I will preface, I’m a firm believer that Raja Gosnell’s two live-action Scooby-Doo films should be inducted into filmmaking hall of fame, thus I have extremely high standards for a live-action Scooby-Doo remake. However, I am so excited to see a new iteration of this cartoon back on my television screen. Based on the logline, I think it’s safe to say the series will have a younger cast portraying the gang, whereas Gosnell’s featured a Scooby Gang in their early to mid-twenties. It’s also worth noting Appelbaum and Rosenberg have so much potential for hijinks, action, comedy, and dense storytelling in a television format.
If it isn’t already incredibly obvious, I loved this cartoon as a kid. I had all the action figures, and even carried a Daphne doll with me everywhere until she was tragically lost at the Houston Rodeo when I was five-years-old. Baby me wouldn’t let my dad turn on any movie unless it had my favorite animated Great Dane, and when every little girl was dressed as their favorite Disney Princess for the preschool Halloween parade, I proudly wore a Scooby-Doo onesie in 90 degree weather. All of this to say, I think I have proven my credibility when it comes to casting Shaggy, Velma, Fred, Daphne, and Scooby. Let’s discuss Reel Talk and Review’s dream fan cast for Netflix’s upcoming Scooby-Doo tale.
Finn Wolfhard as Shaggy
Yes, the hair is perfectly Shaggy coded, but I have plenty of reasons as to why Finn Wolfhard would be an amazing Shaggy. The Stranger Things star has proven his knack for being a kid fighting supernatural beings in a small town. That sure sounds like a certain dog owner with a killer goatee I’ve heard of before. Wolfhard also has his upcoming film, Hell of a Summer that he directed and starred in. The film has similar elements to the Netflix logline: teens fighting a murderer at summer camp. I think the sincerity Wolfhard brings to his role as Mike in Stranger Things (at least Mike from the earlier seasons) has prepared him to don the iconic green tee, khaki pants, and rocking goatee.
Charlie Plummer as Shaggy
Once again, the hair is perfect. However, I promise I based it off more than that. Casting Shaggy correctly is crucial to the story, as he’s the glue of the group, Scooby’s best friend, and comedic relief. But Shaggy also has to have an element that makes you sympathize with him. He was a loner before meeting Scooby. We need someone who can capture that side of the lovable dude. Charlie Plummer who is best known for his Looking For Alaska role would be a great pick!
Zachary Gordon as Shaggy
If you’ve seen Diary of a Wimpy Kid, you’d recognize this is Greg Heffley. I think he’d be a great pick as Shaggy not only because of his physical attributes, but because he’s played the geeky outcast who wants a friend. Shaggy’s friendship with Scooby and the gang is crucial to the story, and I think Gordon would make sure that friendship shines through.
Bailee Madison as Velma
The Pretty Little Liars: Summer School star has proved her knack for killing it as a scream queen, thus I think Bailee Madison would be an iconic Velma. She has the energy of a younger Linda Cardellini, and her charisma would make Velma’s quirky tendencies even more charming. Madison has been in the spotlight since a very young age, and she gives her all to every role she’s ever had. I think she’d have so much fun playing Velma and would make her iteration memorable. Plus, I can see Madison having the most fun time saying “Where’s my glasses?”
Barbie Ferreira as Velma
Euphoria star, Barbie Ferreira screams Velma Dinkley! Ferreira would absolutely kill it portraying Velma’s inquizistive, quirky side, but she would also bring an emotional depth to the character that could humanize her to audience members who only see her as the brains of the group. Velma is so much more than just a genius, and Ferriera would prove that! Also, Ferreira’s recent departure from Euphoria could mean she has some free time to don the iconic orange turtleneck and glasses.
Haley Lu Richardson as Velma
This is my number one pick for Velma. As if her rocking the iconic brunette bob isn’t enough, Haley Lu Richardson’s energy and past characters embody Velma perfectly. She tends to play quirky, intelligent, and headstrong characters. Her characters in The White Lotus and Love at First Sight are excellent examples. I believe Richardson would love every second of playing Velma and fans would love her portrayal of everyone’s favorite know-it-all.
Joseph Quinn as Fred
The second Joseph Quinn went blonde for his upcoming role as Johnny Storm in Marvel’s Fantastic Four: First Steps, I immediately thought he looked like Fred Jones. Johnny Storm is known for being the charismatic—although sometimes arrogant— leader of the group, and that perfectly mirrors Quinn’s roles as Johnny Storm and Eddie Munson in Stranger Things.
Ross Lynch as Fred
Can you think of anyone who emulates the blonde hunky heartthrob better than Ross Lynch? The Disney star turned rockstar is having his moment right now, and I think he’d be a great pick to play Fred. Plus, if Netflix gets Lynch to play Fred, maybe we’d get treated to a rocking new version of the iconic Scooby theme song.
Rudy Pankow as Fred
Netflix did me and the entire world so dirty when they killed off JJ in Outer Banks. Maybe I’ll consider forgiving them if they give us Rudy Pankow as Fred. Pankow’s charisma makes him an incredible choice to play Fred. JJ was a fierce friend who would throw himself into any fight, but also provide some much-needed comedic relief in Outer Banks. With that, Pankow has the potential to bring that energy to Fred, and I can already here him saying “Gang, we got a mystery on our hands.”
Sadie Sink as Daphne
Stranger Things star Sadie Sink would be such a fun pick for Daphne. On the surface, Max Mayfield and Daphne Blake seem like polar opposites, but they might be more similar than you’d think. Sarah Michelle Gellar’s iteration of Daphne—arguably the best Daphne to ever grace our screen— was famously a black belt in martial arts. Gellar’s iteration of Daphne subverted the typical trope that fell upon Daphne in the cartoons by making her a fighter. Max has had her fair share of fighting supernatural monsters, and even when she was in trouble, she was never a damsel in distress. I think she’d make a tough version of Daphne, but would also bring Daphne’s kindness and sass to the role. I’m not sure if Sink will have time for this project after the recent announcement of her undisclosed role in the upcoming Spider-Man film, but we can dream!
Ella Purnell as Daphne
Yellowjackets and Fallout star Ella Purnell has proven her credibility when it comes to action and horror which makes her an iconic pick for Daphne Blake. She would also bring that tough edge to Daphne, and her portrayal of Jackie on Yellowjackets proves she could bring the diva moments Gellar’s Daphne hilariously had. However, the heart of Daphne’s character is her kindness and warmth which I think Purnell would beautifully exhibit. Also, she rocks the redhead look!
Madelaine Petsch as Daphne
If there’s one iconic, redheaded scream queen of our generation, it’s Madelaine Petsch. The Riverdale star rose to fame playing Cheryl Blossom, but she’s since proven her talent for horror and action in her recent film The Strangers: Chapter One. Cheryl was the ultimate diva, but also a fiercely loyal friend which would make Petsch an incredible pick to play Daphne. In recent interviews, Petsch even commented that she’d love to play Daphne. Netflix, I don’t know what you’re waiting for, she’s ready! Also, if this previous Halloween costume donned by Petsch doesn’t convince you she’d be a great pick, I don’t know what to tell you.
Frank Welker as Scooby-Doo
Frank Welker will always be Scooby-Doo to me. He’s voiced the lovable pup since 2002, and he has voiced Fred Jones since the creation of the cartoon in 1969. If he’s up for another round as the ghost-hunting puppy, I’d love nothing more than to have him return as Scooby-Doo.
Let us know who you’d like to see play Mystery Inc. on @reeltalkandreviews on Instagram!
