Paul Walter Hauser Eyed for Role in Netflix’s Live-Action SCOOBY-DOO Series

Netflix’s upcoming live-action Scooby-Doo series is still putting its cast together, and a new report suggests another familiar face may be joining the mystery. Word is that Paul Walter Hauser could be stepping into a supporting role in the show, adding another intriguing piece to the growing puzzle of Netflix’s take on the classic Hanna-Barbera franchise.

The project has been in development for a while and comes from writers and showrunners Josh Appelbaum and Scott Rosenberg, whose previous credits include Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, Venom, and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.

Their version of the story will explore the origins of Mystery Inc., digging into how the iconic gang first came together.

While the full cast hasn’t been revealed yet, a few key names have already surfaced. Frank Welker, who has voiced both Fred Jones and Scooby-Doo for more than five decades, will once again bring the lovable Great Dane to life.

It was also recently announced that Mckenna Grace (Scream 7, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire) will play Daphne Blake.

According to a report from WhatsOnNetflix, Paul Walter Hauser (The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Cobra Kai) is being eyed for a supporting role. If the deal goes through, Hauser would reportedly play Scooby’s original owner rather than one of the core Mystery Inc. members.

The actor is believed to have received an offer, though it hasn’t been confirmed that he’s officially signed on. Production on the eight-episode Netflix series is expected to kick off in April in Atlanta.

The show will center on a younger version of the gang and the very first case that brings them together. The story follows Shaggy, Velma, Daphne, and Freddy before they become the famous team fans know today, and it all begins with a mysterious Great Dane who may have witnessed something terrifying.

The official synopsis reads: “During their final summer at camp, old friends Shaggy and Daphne get embroiled in a haunting mystery surrounding a lonely lost Great Dane puppy that may have been a witness to a supernatural murder.

“Together with the pragmatic and scientific townie, Velma, and the strange, but ever so handsome new kid, Freddy, they set out to solve the case that is pulling each of them into a creepy nightmare that threatens to expose all of their secrets.”

The tone of the series is still something of a question mark. Earlier descriptions have compared it to the CW’s Riverdale, suggesting a darker, one-hour drama approach rather than the lighthearted animated adventures fans are used to. Whether audiences will embrace that direction remains to be seen, but it’s certainly a different angle for the franchise.

The show also has a strong producing team behind it. André Nemec and Jeff Pinkner will executive produce through their Midnight Radio banner alongside Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, and Leigh London Redman via Berlanti Productions.

Peter Friedlander, vice president of scripted series for Netflix, shared his enthusiasm for the project, saying: “Mystery, Inc. is back in business! We’re excited to bring Scooby-Doo to TV as a live-action series for the first time.

“The beloved franchise has had an impact on pop culture that is undeniable — it’s rich with universal themes of friendship that generations of fans have long embraced. Together with creative powerhouses Berlanti Productions and Midnight Radio, we’re committed to delighting longtime fans and opening up a world of groovy adventures for a new era of meddling kids.”

Berlanti also reflected on the legacy of the characters and the creators who started it all: “One of my first and favorite jobs in Hollywood was sitting with Bill Hanna and Joe Barbera while they signed animation cells.

“Josh and Scott and everyone at Midnight Radio have crafted a story that captures their amazing spirits and their genius creation. We are grateful to them and everyone at Warners and Netflix for the partnership in helping bring this iteration of Scooby-Doo to life!”

Clancy Collins White, president of creative affairs for Warner Bros. Television, added: “We’re thrilled to collaborate with our longstanding partners at Berlanti Productions and with Midnight Radio to bring the legendary Scooby-Doo franchise to a live-action series for the first time.

“It’s no mystery why audiences continue to love these iconic characters after more than a half century. We’re excited for a new generation to discover Mystery Inc. And we’re grateful to our partners at Netflix for the opportunity.”

The Scooby-Doo franchise has remained a constant presence in pop culture since its debut, spawning numerous animated shows and movies over the decades.

It also made the jump to live action on the big screen with the 2002 film Scooby-Doo, starring Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar, Matthew Lillard, and Linda Cardellini, followed by the sequel Scooby-Doo: Monsters Unleashed in 2004.

As for the Netflix series, it’s assumed Scooby himself will be created using CGI, though that hasn’t officially been confirmed yet.

If Hauser does end up joining the project, he’d bring his signature mix of comedy and character acting to the world of Scooby-Doo, which could make his role a fun addition to this new version of the mystery-solving universe.