Scooby-Doo Rides Again: Berlanti and Netflix In Talks For A Live Action Series

Netflix is on the brink of sealing a deal with Greg Berlanti for a live-action television rendition of the cherished Hanna-Barbera animated classic, Scooby-Doo. The proposed project, which holds a script-to-series commitment, signifies a modern-day interpretation of the beloved cartoon if the script garners positive feedback, leading to an immediate series order.

While representatives for Netflix, Warner Bros. Television, and Berlanti Productions have refrained from commenting, negotiations are underway for the eagerly anticipated collaboration.

Scripting and executive production duties are entrusted to Josh Appelbaum and Scott Rosenberg, the creative duo recognized for their work on Netflix’s Cowboy Bebop adaptation and Hulu’s High Fidelity rendition. They’ll helm the project under their Midnight Radio banner, alongside André Nemec and Jeff Pinkner. Berlanti and Sarah Schechter from Berlanti Productions will also serve as executive producers, alongside Leigh London Redman and Jonathan Gabay from Berlanti Productions, and Adrienne Erickson from Midnight Radio. Warner Bros. Television, with its ownership of the Hanna-Barbera animation studio, stands as the project’s studio.

This venture marks the latest attempt to breathe new life into the Scooby-Doo franchise since its successful revival in the early 2000s. The previous live-action film adaptation, featuring Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar, Matthew Lillard, Linda Cardellini, and Rowan Atkinson, grossed a remarkable $275 million globally, spawning a sequel and an array of spin-offs. Most recently, WarnerMedia’s streaming platform, HBO Max, introduced an adult-oriented animated spinoff titled Velma, produced by and starring Mindy Kaling.

Originally conceived by Joe Ruby and Ken Spears in 1969, the animated series has left an indelible mark on television history, with numerous adaptations and spin-offs over the decades.

Berlanti’s collaboration with Netflix has proven fruitful, with successful ventures like You and Dead Boy Detectives. Meanwhile, Midnight Radio adds Scooby-Doo to its list of television projects, joining the ranks of Citadel and From.

As negotiations near completion, fans eagerly anticipate the arrival of this new chapter in the beloved Scooby-Doo saga.