‘Scooby-Doo’ Live-Action Series Casts Mckenna Grace as Daphne: Netflix and Berlanti Productions Bet Big on Mystery Inc.

Jinkies — Mystery Inc. just found its leading lady.

Mckenna Grace has officially been cast as Daphne Blake in Netflix’s upcoming live-action Scooby-Doo series, produced by Berlanti Productions and Netflix. And suddenly, this isn’t just another nostalgic IP revival, it’s a project with serious potential.

The new Scooby-Doo live-action series is being positioned as an origin story, exploring how the iconic mystery-solving gang first came together. Early details suggest an eight-episode order, with the story centered around a formative summer that brings Daphne, Shaggy, Velma, Fred and one very important Great Dane into each other’s orbit.

Why Mckenna Grace as Daphne Actually Makes Sense

Grace is no stranger to genre storytelling. Between horror projects, supernatural thrillers, and prestige dramas, she’s built a résumé that blends vulnerability with sharp intelligence, exactly what a modern Daphne Blake requires.

Traditionally portrayed as fashionable and occasionally underestimated, Daphne has evolved significantly over the decades. More recent iterations of the franchise have leaned into her resourcefulness and bravery, moving far beyond the “danger-prone” stereotype of earlier cartoons. Casting Grace signals that this Netflix adaptation plans to continue that evolution rather than retreat into parody.

It’s also a savvy bit of synergy: Grace previously voiced a young Daphne in animated Scooby-Doo projects, giving her a built-in familiarity with the character. Now, she steps into the live-action spotlight at a time when streaming platforms are aggressively mining beloved franchises for multi-season potential.

A Strategic Move for Netflix and Berlanti

The involvement of Berlanti Productions adds weight. The company has a long track record of turning genre properties into bingeable television, and pairing that experience with Netflix’s global reach suggests high expectations for the series.

Live-action Scooby-Doo adaptations have historically leaned comedic and self-aware. This iteration reportedly aims for a slightly more grounded, character-driven approach, though let’s be honest, we’re still talking about a talking dog who solves crimes.

If the creative team finds the right tonal balance between spooky fun and teen ensemble drama, the show could tap into multiple generations of fans. Nostalgia brings viewers in. Smart storytelling keeps them there.

What Comes Next

Additional casting announcements are expected soon, particularly for Shaggy, Velma, and Fred, roles that will define the chemistry of the entire series. Production timelines and a premiere date have yet to be confirmed, but the buzz surrounding Grace’s casting has already energized the fandom.

Mckenna Grace landing the role of Daphne Blake marks a confident first step for Netflix’s live-action Scooby-Doo. With Berlanti’s track record and a character reimagined for a new era, Mystery Inc. may be gearing up for its most ambitious reinvention yet.

Stay tuned to The TV Cave for more casting updates, previews, and the inevitable fan theories about who’s under the mask this time.