Frank Welker Returns as Scooby-Doo in Netflix’s New Live-Action Series

Netflix’s live action take on Scooby-Doo has been moving through early development for months and fresh details are giving everyone a clearer idea of the direction this reimagining is taking.

With casting underway and production set for next year, fans are curious to see what this version of Scooby-Doo will deliver.

A report from Nexus Point News revealed that Frank Welker is officially returning to voice Scooby-Doo for the series. Welker has been part of the franchise’s DNA since 1969 when he first stepped in as Fred Jones and later became the voice of Scooby himself in 2002.

His involvement here instantly gives the project a familiar heartbeat and it is hard to imagine anyone else bringing the Great Dane to life.

Netflix first announced the series in March and confirmed Josh Appelbaum and Scott Rosenberg as showrunners. According to the report, the team has already started casting its teenage leads and is deep into screen tests as they search for the new generation of Mystery Inc. The plan is to begin filming next April in Atlanta.

The streamer also released the official logline and it leans into a darker style of storytelling while still keeping the core spirit of the franchise intact. It reads “A modern reimagining of the iconic mystery solving group of teens and their very special dog.

“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.”

Welker’s return only strengthens the project. His work extends far beyond Scooby and Fred as he has voiced an incredible range of characters that generations of fans grew up with including Megatron and Soundwave in The Transformers, Abu and Rajah in Aladdin, Nibbler in Futurama, and more. His voice acting legacy is massive and having him anchored to this new take instantly gives it credibility.