Netflix has filled two key roles in its live-action Scooby-Doo series, announcing on March 18 that Abby Ryder Fortson will play Velma and Maxwell Jenkins will play Fred — news that helps shape the project ahead of production and gives fans their first clear look at the new Mystery Inc. lineup.

Who’s who in the new Mystery Inc.

The cast announcement confirms several young actors will lead the series. Mckenna Grace was already attached as Daphne; the March 18 update names Abby Ryder Fortson as Velma Dinkley, Maxwell Jenkins as Fred Jones and Tanner Hagen as Norville “Shaggy” Rogers. The story is set when Scooby-Doo is still a puppy and the gang is at summer camp.

Creative team and studio

The series comes from Berlanti Productions, with Greg Berlanti among the executive producers. Writers and showrunners Josh Appelbaum and Scott Rosenberg are leading the script and production work; Warner Bros. Television is the studio behind the show.

Why this casting matters

Fortson and Jenkins bring a mix of youthful energy and previous TV experience, giving Netflix a familiar-feeling Mystery Inc. at an earlier stage in the characters’ lives. Setting the show at summer camp with a puppy Scooby signals a family-oriented, origin-style approach rather than a teenage drama.

Context and franchise history

Netflix first announced the live-action Scooby-Doo project in March of last year. The property has been adapted in many forms; most notably, two live-action feature films in 2002 and 2004 starred Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar, Linda Cardellini and Matthew Lillard alongside a CGI Scooby-Doo.

Reaction and early buzz

Industry outlets that broke the news noted the casting as a pivotal step toward production. Fans who follow casting updates have already begun speculating about tone and visual style — whether the series will lean into campy mystery-comedy or a moodier, mystery-forward vibe. Variety’s coverage referenced the fresh young ensemble as part of an intentionally early-phase Mystery Inc.

What’s next

  • Netflix has not yet announced a release date or production schedule.
  • Further casting is likely, including who will voice or portray Scooby as a puppy.
  • Filming timeline and promotional rollout should follow once additional leads and a release window are confirmed.

For now, the casting of Abby Ryder Fortson as Velma and Maxwell Jenkins as Fred gives viewers a first sense of Netflix’s direction for the franchise: an origin-story feel focused on friendship, mystery-solving and a younger Mystery Inc. at summer camp.