Abby Ryder Fortson cast as Velma in Netflix’s live-action Scooby-Doo and fans are already split

Abby Ryder Fortson is stepping into one of animation’s most recognisable roles, with Netflix confirming she will play Velma Dinkley in its upcoming live-action Scooby-Doo series.

The casting reveal comes as the streamer officially introduces its new Mystery Inc. lineup, with Mckenna Grace as Daphne Blake, Tanner Hagen as Shaggy Rogers and Maxwell Jenkins as Fred Jones.

The series will serve as an origin story, exploring how the iconic group first came together before becoming the crime-solving team fans know.

According to Netflix, the plot follows Shaggy and Daphne during their final summer at camp, where they become entangled in a mystery involving a lost Great Dane puppy believed to have witnessed a supernatural murder.

Velma, described as pragmatic and scientifically driven, joins forces with them alongside Fred, a mysterious new arrival, as the group begins to uncover a case that threatens to expose their secrets.

The reboot marks a darker, more modern take on the long-running franchise, which has remained a pop culture staple for more than five decades.

Netflix is positioning the project alongside its expanding slate of major franchise hits, including Wednesday, One Piece, Stranger Things and Bridgerton.

The series is executive produced by Josh Appelbaum and Scott Rosenberg, with Greg Berlanti among the producers, and Toby Haynes set to direct the premiere episode. A release date has not yet been announced.

Fans react to Abby Ryder Fortson as Velma

The casting of Abby Ryder Fortson has quickly sparked debate online, with fans divided over the fresh take on Velma.

Some viewers have praised the choice, calling it a strong fit for the character’s intelligence and energy, while others remain cautious about the younger cast and the show’s darker, origin-focused direction.

The shift towards a more intense mystery, including hints of a supernatural murder, has also fuelled theories about how far the series may move from its traditional tone.