Matthew Lillard Breaks Silence on Netflix’s New Scooby-Doo Live-Action Series and the Search for the Next Shaggy

Matthew Lillard Talks Passing the Torch for Shaggy in Netflix’s Upcoming Scooby-Doo Live-Action Series

Few pop culture franchises boast the intergenerational appeal of Scooby-Doo. The mystery-solving crew has reinvented itself across decades—animated, cinematic, and now, a new wave of live-action. Central to much of the modern nostalgia is Matthew Lillard, whose unforgettable portrayal of Shaggy in the early 2000s films helped anchor the cult status of those adaptations.

The Era of Lillard’s Shaggy

Lillard, together with Sarah Michelle Gellar, Freddie Prinze Jr., and Linda Cardellini, transformed Hanna-Barbera’s beloved animation into a live-action event—infusing their roles with a mix of sincerity, comic timing, and reverence for the original characters. Shaggy, in particular, was brought to life with Lillard’s signature blend of goofiness, vulnerability, and heart—the kind of performance that deepens the character for a new era while paying tribute to Shaggy’s classic appeal.

Netflix Steps In: A New Chapter for Mystery Inc.

Now, Netflix is preparing its own Scooby-Doo live-action series, drawing fresh attention and speculation from fans who grew up with Lillard’s version. Speaking to the media in a candid interview, Lillard was direct: he will not be returning as Shaggy for this new iteration. ‘Those days of playing a wily teenager are well over,’ he confided. Still, his passion for the franchise remains unwavering. Lillard revealed he had reached out to the production team to offer help and mentorship, hoping to assist whoever steps into the iconic role next: ‘That role is one of the greatest parts of my life. If I can help the new Shaggy be incredible, I’m happy to do that.’

Such open-handed camaraderie captures something essential about Mystery Inc.—friendship, transformation, and the beauty of facing one’s fears. In Lillard’s words, Shaggy represents the timeless heart of storytelling: a scared kid who overcomes fear with the help of friends. That message is key to Scooby-Doo’s enduring relevance and, by extension, its constant evolution across generations.

The Modern Reimagining: New Cast, New Mystery

Netflix’s take promises a modern reimagining, with the official logline pointing toward a storyline set during Shaggy and Daphne’s final summer at camp. The pair becomes entangled in a mysterious case involving a lonely Great Dane puppy—Scooby, of course—who may have witnessed a supernatural incident. Newcomers Velma and Freddy join the fold, together forming a Mystery Gang at a crossroads in their own stories, poised to face nightmares that threaten to unearth deeply held secrets.

As of now, the only major cast announcement is the talented Mckenna Grace as Daphne, following her acclaimed voice work in Scoob!. The creative team is stacked, with Josh Appelbaum and Scott Rosenberg taking the reins as showrunners, backed by a team that includes André Nemec and Jeff Pinkner. With production scheduled to kick off in April, casting news for the crucial role of Shaggy remains the most eagerly awaited update in fan circles.

What to Expect: Evolution of a Franchise

The Netflix series aims to walk a careful line between nostalgic homage and contemporary storytelling. Previous attempts at modernizing Mystery Inc. have ranged from subversive animated reboots to meta-comedies and YA-leaning mysteries. The current project looks to embrace that spirit while layering in real character growth and a fresh visual style, banking on both fan devotion and the appetite for streaming originals.

With Scooby-Doo’s mythos continuing to expand—from classic Saturday morning cartoons to video games, feature films, and viral meme status—the character of Shaggy remains especially fertile ground for reinvention. Whoever steps into the iconic green shirt and brown bell-bottoms next will not only be continuing a tradition, but redefining it for a new generation, supported by legacy stars like Lillard eager to see the spirit of camaraderie and goofball courage endure.

Stay Tuned for More Scooby Snacks

Production for Netflix’s new live-action series launches soon, with casting news expected to follow as the project garners more momentum. No official release date has been announced yet, but anticipation is already high across social media and fan forums. As the next era of Scooby-Doo takes shape, one thing’s for sure: the Mystery Gang’s story is far from over, and the search for a new Shaggy makes this chapter more compelling than ever for old fans and newcomers alike.