The mystery is officially underway. Scooby-Doo: Origins, Netflix’s highly anticipated live-action series based on the beloved Hanna-Barbera franchise, began production in Atlanta on April 21, 2026. Principal photography is scheduled to run through September 10, 2026, filming at Cinespace Film Studios in Atlanta. Project Casting The production is operating locally under the code name “Talbot Pines”, and Hylton Casting is handling all background casting for the series — so if you’re interested in being an extra, that’s your first stop.
What the Show Is About
Scooby-Doo: Origins goes back to the very beginning — the terrifying first case that brought Mystery Inc. together for good. Project Casting 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. Filming in Georgia
The series draws from one of animation’s most enduring legacies. Created by Joe Ruby and Ken Spears — with Scooby-Doo himself designed by animator Iwao Takamoto — the franchise launched in 1969 with Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! on CBS. Georgiaentertainment More than 50 years, a dozen animated series, and three theatrical films later, this marks the first time the gang has appeared in an ongoing live-action TV series.
Meet the New Mystery Inc.
This is the part people have been waiting for. Netflix released the first official photo of the cast this week — and notably, Scooby himself is nowhere to be seen, since the Great Dane will be brought to life entirely by a VFX team.
Mckenna Grace as Daphne Blake — Grace is arguably the most recognizable name in the cast, and for good reason. After starring opposite Chris Evans in 2017’s Gifted, she went on to roles in The Haunting of Hill House and The Handmaid’s Tale, as well as the Ghostbusters and Captain Marvel franchises. Explore Georgia More recently she appeared in Scream 7 and Regretting You — both of which filmed here in Georgia. Interestingly, this is not Grace’s first time playing Daphne — she voiced a young version of the character in the 2020 animated film Scoob! Explore Georgia, and even Sarah Michelle Gellar — who played Daphne in the original live-action films — has publicly praised her casting.
Tanner Hagen as Shaggy Rogers — Hagen appeared in The Pitt and has had roles in Lawmen: Bass Reeves. AJC He’s a rising name and a solid fit for a character that requires someone who can balance comic timing with genuine vulnerability.
Abby Ryder Fortson as Velma Dinkley — Fortson is best known for her leading role in Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret and her appearances in the Ant-Man franchise, as well as The Pitt. AJC Velma is always the most scrutinized casting in any Scooby-Doo adaptation, and Fortson has the dramatic range to bring some real depth to the role.
Maxwell Jenkins as Fred Jones — Jenkins is a familiar face on Netflix, having starred across three seasons of Lost in Space and also appearing in Reacher and Dear Edward. AJC Georgia readers may also recognize him from The Bondsman, which filmed at Raleigh Studios in Senoia last year.
Paul Walter Hauser — Hauser has been cast as a series regular in a currently undisclosed role. AtlantaFi Speculation is running wild online about who he’s playing, but Netflix and the production are keeping that one tightly under wraps for now. Hauser is best known for Black Bird and the recent The Naked Gun reboot.
And finally — in a wonderful nod to the franchise’s history — Frank Welker, who has voiced Scooby-Doo since 2002 and Fred Jones since the original 1969 series, is reprising his role as the voice of Scooby-Doo. Georgiaentertainment Some things you just don’t mess with.
The Creative Team
Josh Appelbaum and Scott Rosenberg serve as showrunners, head writers, and executive producers via their production company Midnight Radio. Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, and Leigh London Redman are also executive producing via Berlanti Productions under its overall deal with Warner Bros. Television. AtlantaFi Executive producer Toby Haynes will direct the first episode. Project Casting
Want to Be an Extra?
If you want to be part of the production, Hylton Casting is the agency handling background casting for Scooby-Doo: Origins. Keep an eye on their website and social media pages for open casting calls. The production films through September, so there will be plenty of opportunities between now and then.
No premiere date has been announced yet, but with filming running through the fall, a 2027 Netflix debut seems most likely. We’ll keep you updated as more details surface.
