I was a huge fan of the Scooby-Doo animated series growing up. There was just something about the group of haphazard detectives trying to find a logical rationale behind all the ghost haunting they were faced with while Shaggy and Scooby did their level best to do the opposite and just find good food to eat. I could so relate to them. It had everything a kid wanted, mystery, suspense and lots of laughter.
Then early in the 21st century someone decided it would be a good idea to make them into a live-action film and it was horrible. Outside of Matthew Lillard’s performance as Shaggy, I hated these films and haven’t watched Scooby-Doo since. It’s amazing how things that work in a cartoon form just don’t work well when acted out. Growing up might also have something to do with it, but let me have my nostalgia moment, if you will.
Well, another Scooby-Doo movie is on its way. This time though, Warner Bros plan to keep it animated, the way it should be. What is interesting though, as that they are bringing in Dax Shepard to co-write and direct the film, as reported by Variety. Shepard did helm the little-seen Hit & Run and the forthcoming big screen adaptation of the TV series CHiPs, but outside of that has little experience in directing or in managing a big franchise. I’m not a huge fan of his acting and Hit & Run was nothing to be excited about. It’s his work on the yet to be released CHiPs though that has apparently secured him this job.
The new Scooby-Doo film is being overseen by Jesse Ehrman from Warner Bros. Pictures, who also oversaw the production of CHiPs. That experience prompted him to suggest that Shepard come in to meet with some of the top brass, especially after he expressed interest in the project. Since Warner Bros. was already planning on having two directors work together, everything worked out for both parties.
Given that it’s a co-writing and co-directing role alongside more seasoned individuals, it’s perhaps less risk to put an unproven director in the role. Dax is co-writing the script alongside Matt Lierberman (Short Circuit remake) and directing with Tony Cervone who was responsible for the recent Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated animated series. So at least there shouldn’t be too much that could go wrong. After all, Marvel has had loads of success in breeding fledgeling directors to take on famous characters. Warner Bros are not Marvel though.
Hopefully there is nothing to be worried about and that we will soon have the opportunity to see a proper Scooby-Doo movie in the cinemas that lives up to the legacy of its TV series. The film is so far scheduled for release on September 21, 2018. So plenty of time for them to work on making it right.
Expect more Scooby snack dog biscuits to the hit the market around that same time.
Last Updated: September 15, 2016
