Summary
- Scooby-Doo adaptations struggle historically, but Netflix’s new series has potential to be a game-changer.
- Netflix’s live-action Scooby-Doo must learn from past flops to reinvent the franchise for modern audiences.
- Cast and storytelling are key for Netflix in reviving Scooby-Doo, needing to avoid mistakes that led to past failures.
It was recently reported by Deadline that Netflix is in the process of developing a new, live-action Scooby-Doo series, and though the franchise is certainly beloved and nostalgic, this is an incredibly risky move for the streaming service due to the franchise’s recent flops. Scooby-Doo was first created by Warner Brothers in 1969. The series, which follows a group of teens and their dog who solve mysteries, has since become a staple of childrens’ shows. Over the years, countless Scooby-Doo movies have been made, ranging in genre from animation and live-action to childrens’ horror and adult comedy.
Without context, a Netflix Scooby-Doo adaptation is a piece of very exciting news. Considering how long-running and culturally significant the franchise is, bringing it to life on such a huge streaming platform seems like a recipe for success. Netflix has the budget to make something truly awesome for modern audiences, and it is a property that is great for adults and children alike. However, Scooby-Doo’s recent history is important to consider when looking at this Netflix news. In particular, the past few years have seen a serious decline in success for the mystery franchise.
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Scooby-Doo Adaptations Have Been Struggling For A Long Time
Scooby-Doo has never had a hugely successful adaptation
The biggest risk that comes with Netflix’s Scooby-Doo is that the franchise hasn’t had a successful adaptation in a long time. Though the original animated series laid the foundation for the iconic property, what has come after has never been quite the same, especially in live-action. In the early 2000s, Scooby-Doo saw its first set of live-action movie adaptations. Though these movies have incredibly nostalgia value, they were not critical wins by any means. And while 2002’s Scooby-Doo made over $200 million at the box office, its sequel was not as lucky, causing a third movie to be canceled.
2002’s
Scooby-Doo
has a 40% on Rotten Tomatoes, while Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed has a 41%.
But Scooby-Doo’s worst failures have been far more recent. In 2020, Warner Brothers made an animated feature film centering the Scooby-Doo franchise. Although it had a star-studded cast, Scoob! was a huge flop for the company. Part of this had to do with the COVID-19 pandemic, which prevented the film from having a theatrical release, but also the movie itself was not considered anything special by critics. Then, the most recent flop was HBO’s Velma, a more adult version of Scooby-Doo that did very little to impress audiences. Ultimately, these disappointments have left Scooby-Doo in an unfortunate place.
Scooby-Doo’s Past Failures Mean Netflix’s Live-Action TV Show Is Make-Or-Break
Netflix must right the franchise’s past wrongs
With Netflix now committing to a new Scooby-Doo adaptation, the streaming service has big shoes to fill and a lot to make up for in the critical and audience departments. The franchise’s failures mean Netflix needs to prove that they aren’t wasting their time and money on a lost cause.
Ultimately, Netflix’s new
Scooby-Doo
adaptation is a final chance to revive this dying property before executives shelve it for the next several years.
In this way, Netflix’s Scooby-Doo needs to be really good, and more specifically, avoid the mistakes that past adaptations have made which led to their failure.
Luckily, Netflix already has a lot going for them. The streaming service is one of the biggest, and is home to some of the most popular television series and television adaptations at the moment, such as 3 Body Problem, The Witcher, and The Umbrella Academy. Furthermore, Netflix’s Scooby-Doo seems to be in good hands. Berlanti Productions is onboard, and this company has previously helmed projects like You, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, and The Flight Attendant. Plus, writers Josh Appelbaum and Scott Rosenberg are known for their work on Cowboy Bebop and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
What Netflix’s Scooby-Doo Can Learn From The Franchise’s Past Mistakes
Scooby-Doo needs a reinvention
The number one thing Netflix must do in order for its new Scooby-Doo adaptation to be good is to do something different. A huge complaint among the recent failed Scooby-Doo projects is that they are no better than the episodes that already aired in 1969. Netflix needs to prove that there is a reason to reboot Scooby-Doo. The streaming service must do something that puts a twist on what audiences already know and love. Luckily, live-action already makes this easier, but the new Scooby-Doo needs to surprise audiences rather than rely on nostalgia.
Another important aspect to remember is casting. A major part of what made the early 2000s Scooby-Doo movies so beloved, despite their low critical reception, was that the actors in the film really embodied their roles. Matthew Lillard, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Freddie Prinz Jr., and Linda Cardellini have remained the faces of Scooby-Doo, and so this will be an important factor for Netflix. They must find the perfect people to portray the beloved characters. With this, and a new story, Scooby-Doo may finally see its redemption.