Show summary Hide summary
Abby Ryder Fortson just landed a career-defining role as Velma Dinkley in Netflix’s live-action Scooby-Doo series. The announcement came March 18, 2026, completing the Mystery Inc. gang. Fans are thrilled to see this beloved character reimagined for a new generation.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Fortson Plays Velma: The 18-year-old actress known for Ant-Man and Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret
- Full Cast Revealed: McKenna Grace (Daphne), Tanner Hagen (Shaggy), Maxwell Jenkins (Fred)
- Production Timeline: Filming in April 2026 through September in Atlanta, Georgia
- Series Details: 8 episodes of a modern origin story arriving 2027 on Netflix
From Cassie Lang to Velma Dinkley
Abby Ryder Fortson brings impressive credentials to the role. The actress, born March 14, 2008, has already built a notable filmography in both television and film. Fans recognize her best from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where she portrayed Cassie Lang, the young daughter of Paul Rudd’s Ant-Man, in Ant-Man (2015) and Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018).
Beyond Marvel, Fortson delivered a breakout performance in the 2023 adaptation of Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, where she starred alongside Rachel McAdams and Kathy Bates. Her recent work includes roles on HBO Max series like The Pitt and Carousel, showcasing her range across drama and indie productions.
Abby Ryder Fortson cast as Velma in Netflix’s live-action Scooby-Doo
Billy Porter calls himself a ‘walking miracle’ after sepsis coma, releases children’s book
A Modern Reimagining of Mystery Inc.
Netflix’s Scooby-Doo series takes a fresh approach to the classic Hanna-Barbera property. According to the official logline, the show is set during the characters’ final summer at camp. Old friends Shaggy and Daphne become embroiled in a haunting mystery surrounding a lost Great Dane puppy that may have witnessed a supernatural murder. Velma’s pragmatic, scientific mind and Fred’s leadership come together to solve the case.
The series promises a darker, more dramatic tone than the cartoon original. Creepy nightmares threaten to expose each character’s secrets. This is an origin story, revealing how Mystery Inc. got started and formed their legendary detective partnership that spans over 50 years of pop culture.
| Cast Member | Character | Notable Credits |
| Abby Ryder Fortson | Velma Dinkley | Ant-Man, Margaret, The Pitt |
| McKenna Grace | Daphne Blake | The Hunger Games, Regretting You |
| Tanner Hagen | Shaggy Rogers | The Pitt, Dark Light |
| Maxwell Jenkins | Fred Jones | Lost in Space, The Bondsman |
“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.”
— Official Netflix Logline for Scooby-Doo Series
Behind-the-Scenes Production Powerhouses
The series comes from Midnight Radio and Berlanti Productions, with Greg Berlanti known for bringing beloved franchises to the screen through Arrow, The Flash, and recent hits like Wednesday. Josh Appelbaum and Scott Rosenberg serve as showrunners and writers, crafting an origin story based on Hanna-Barbera characters.
Toby Haynes will direct the first episode and executive produce. Production is set to begin late April 2026 and run through September 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. Warner Bros. Television produces the 8-episode first season, with Netflix expected to debut the series in 2027.
Will Fortson’s Velma Compare to Past Versions?
Velma Dinkley has been interpreted many ways over five decades. Linda Cardellini played live-action Velma in the 2002 Scooby-Doo film and its 2004 sequel. Mindy Kaling even developed an HBO Max adult animated spinoff focused on the character. Fortson’s version will balance the character’s iconic orange turtleneck and scientific expertise while bringing modern depth to the detective.
At 18 years old, Fortson is entering a critical phase of her career. Her recent dramatic work in prestigious productions suggests she’s ready to carry a major streaming series. Netflix fans will get their first real look at this fresh take on Mystery Inc. when the Scooby-Doo origin series arrives in 2027.
What Do Fans Expect from This Live-Action Mystery?
Social media reactions to the casting have been overwhelmingly positive. Fans note that Fortson’s intelligence and poise match Velma’s character perfectly. With production starting soon and an experienced creative team, expectations are high for Netflix’s most ambitious adaptation of the classic cartoon franchise.
Sources
- Netflix Tudum – Official cast announcement and series details for live-action Scooby-Doo
- Deadline Hollywood – Production details and executive producer information
- Variety – Complete cast announcement with actor filmography and background
