Bringing Scooby-Doo back in a new way
Netflix is rolling out the Mystery Machine for a brand new era! The streaming platform confirmed in March 2025 that it officially greenlit its first-ever live-action Scooby Doo television series. Even though the franchise has been around since the late 1960s, this marks the first time the gang gets a full live-action series instead of a movie. The road here started in April 2024 when reports first surfaced, and fans have been waiting for news ever since. Then, the live-action premiere possibility resurfaced on January 8, 2026, after @DiscussingFilm shared that the series would start filming in April 2026.
Netflix’s live-action ‘SCOOBY DOO’ series will begin filming in April
(Source: https://t.co/JcTzs0uom5) pic.twitter.com/CJ6zE6CQEv
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) January 8, 2026
A big team behind the mystery
Warner Bros Television is teaming up with Netflix, and the show will be led by Josh Appelbaum and Scott Rosenberg, who are taking on both writing and showrunning duties. Their Midnight Radio banner, which includes André Nemec, Sarah Schechter, and Jeff Pinkne,r is also onboard. Fans might know them from working on Netflix’s live-action Cowboy Bebop or the Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle movies. In addition, Greg Berlanti is joining the squad as executive producer through Berlanti Productions, bringing massive credit from hits like You and Riverdale.
Netflix’s live-action ‘SCOOBY-DOO’ series is reportedly casting teen actors to play the high-school-aged Mystery Gang.
Production is seeking fresh faces for the ensemble with screen tests currently underway.
Filming is expected to begin in April 2026 in Atlanta.
(Source:… pic.twitter.com/J6aZFeI9Oe
— Cinema Wire 🎥🎞️ (@CinemaWireNews) December 2, 2025
Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that the series will include its classic five protagonists: Fred Jones, Daphne Blake, Velma Dinkley, Shaggy Rogers, and Scooby-Doo. However, casting has not yet announced for the roles. Despite this, What’s on Netflix reported that the production is looking for an age-appropriate cast to play the roles (between ages 14 and 17). This contrasts with the early 2000s movies, in which the actors were in their mid-20s to early 30s.
A new origin story with a spooky vibe
Netflix is reportedly creating the series as a modern reimagining, meaning fans can expect something familiar but with a different twist. What’s on Netflix reported that the tone wants to mirror the mix of scares and mystery of Stranger Things, balancing its cartoon roots and pop culture impact. The filming for the show will reportedly take place in April 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia, and is expected to run through May and June of the same year. The location is, of course, where Stranger Things was filmed throughout most of its production, so there’s another parallel with the Netflix hit show.
