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Netflix's upcoming live-action Scooby-Doo series has found itself at the center of an online debate. This happened after the streaming platform unveiled the first look at the franchise's most recognizable character.
The trailer for Scooby-Doo: Origins presented fans with the first glimpse of the real-life portrayal of the character. It generated controversy, as many fans began discussing whether the dog looked like the character they had known for years.
Several viewers noted the differences between the Great Dane fans expected and the one presented to them as Scooby-Doo. Many people even went so far as to criticize Netflix for casting the puppy for the role.
A social media user wrote, “That's not Scooby-Doo. That's a Labrador,” while another questioned, “Why does Scooby look like every dog except Scooby?”
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The negative comments soon started comparing the redesign to Sonic’s original appearance in the 2019 Sonic the Hedgehog movie.
A few viewers even stated that Netflix might find itself in a similar situation. A commenter said, “We're going to need another Sonic-style redesign before this releases,” while another added, “The internet fixed Sonic. Maybe it can fix Scooby, too.”
The puppy in the teaser looks more like an ordinary dog than the friendly and lovable talking dog that gobbles food. It shows how possessive viewers are when it comes to their pop culture icons that have been part of their childhood for decades now.
Despite the criticism, some supporters felt that Netflix’s style was commendable. According to them, the puppy represented Scooby-Doo as a youngster and could not be equated to the full-grown Great Dane shown in the earlier incarnations of the character.
“They are forgetting that this is baby Scooby. Great Danes look different from puppies,” stated one such supporter. Another one simply commented, “He’s adorable, I don’t care if he doesn’t look like the cartoon.”
Netflix has called it the origin story of Mystery Inc. In the series, we see Daphne and Shaggy having their last summer in camp, where they encounter a lonely Great Dane puppy involved in a supernatural crime. The two, along with Velma and Fred, join forces to solve the crime that laid the groundwork for the famous detective team.
Daphne will be played by McKenna Grace, while Tanner Hagen will star as Shaggy. Velma will be played by Abby Ryder Fortson, and Fred by Maxwell Jenkins.
Viewers remain divided on the subject, but the debate has already brought Scooby-Doo: Origins into the limelight. As the highly anticipated show awaits its release, the audience is eager to see how Netflix will respond to criticism.
