Netflix's Scooby-Doo: Origins just introduced its canine star — but the live-action series is already dividing fans

A brown Great Dane puppy wearing a teal and gold collar
(Image credit: Netflix)

  • Scooby-Doo: Origins has released a teaser revealing that a real-life dog will play the titular character
  • This is the first time Scooby-Doo will be played by a dog, rather than being an animated character
  • However, the decision has divided fans and not everyone is happy with the idea

Scooby-Doo: Origins confirmed an all-important cast member recently, revealing that the new Netflix show would not be using a CGI dog like the movies did.

In a new teaser, we got our first look at the adorable new co-star who will be playing one of the world's most famous dogs, marking the first time Scooby-Doo will be played by an actual puppy. So no pressure then.

Even though we're not expecting the series until 2027, fans are already hugely divided on the "real-life" Scooby Doo. But before we get into all of that, take a look at Netflix's first teaser to see what you think.

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What are people saying about Scooby-Doo: Origins?

Considering that Scooby-Doo has been a pop-culture favorite for over 50 years, it's not surprising that fans have some strong thoughts about the newest series.

The addition of a real-life pup has only divided fans more, with some concerned he won't be able to live up to previous iterations, such as the animated series or the 2000s movies (which were unfairly judged in my opinion).

Many Scooby-Doo fans were initially concerned that the puppy in the upcoming series is not a Great Dane, but it has now been pointed out that he actually is by one fan on X. However, the complaints haven't stopped there — and there's one glaring issue in particular.

Fans have pointed out that while the real puppy co-star is undeniably cute, it "will never hit the same" as having an animated or CGI Scooby-Doo. Much of the humor from the movies and animated show came from Scooby's dialogue, and his dynamic with Shaggy, which may be missing from Netflix's prequel series.

It's too early to tell if Shaggy and Scooby will be able to communicate in Scooby-Doo: Origins, but even if they can, it certainly won't be the same as what we're used to. Right now, I'm not sure what to make of the new series, even though I really want to enjoy it.

We'll have to wait a while to see more from Scooby-Doo: Origins, but we do know it's pemiering in 2027, and will follow Shaggy Rogers (Tanner Hagen) and his old pal Daphne Blake (Mckenna Grace) during their final summer at camp, where they become embroiled in a haunting mystery surrounding a lost Great Dane puppy.

The plot sounds strong enough, but will the show stick the landing? I sure hope so.


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Lucy Buglass
Senior Entertainment Writer

Lucy is a long-time movie and television lover who is an approved critic on Rotten Tomatoes. She has written several reviews in her time, starting with a small self-ran blog called Lucy Goes to Hollywood before moving onto bigger websites such as What's on TV and What to Watch, with TechRadar being her most recent venture. Her interests primarily lie within horror and thriller, loving nothing more than a chilling story that keeps her thinking moments after the credits have rolled. Many of these creepy tales can be found on the streaming services she covers regularly.

When she’s not scaring herself half to death with the various shows and movies she watches, she likes to unwind by playing video games on Easy Mode and has no shame in admitting she’s terrible at them. She also quotes The Simpsons religiously and has a Blinky the Fish tattoo, solidifying her position as a complete nerd. 

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