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Of all the properties in the Hannah-Barbera library, theScooby-Doofranchise is not only the most popular and well-known, but it’s also become one of the animation legend’s most timeless. Since the original series premiered in 1969, Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Incorporated gang have seen numerous iterations, with several shows, games, movies, and more released over time, each adding a different spin on the cast and offering a new mystery to solve. Though Mystery Inc. typically keeps things family-friendly, dealing with people dressed as monsters, there is the off occasion where things get a bit more mature for younger audiences, such as when the gang went toe to toe with real zombiesin the surprisingly dark (and fantastic)Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island(1998).
TheScooby-Doofranchise almost did go even darker whenGuardians of the Galaxywriter/directorJames Gunnpitched an R-rated adventure for Scoob and the gang. An idea that was ahead of its time, but ultimately was passed on by Warner Bros., and Gunn’s script was tweaked for wider audiences and instead turned into the2002Scooby-Doofilm, which then bred a subsequent sequel two years later withScooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed(2004). Ever since Gunn’s original concept for the project was revealed, older Scooby fans have been interested to see what a more adult-oriented version of the characters could be like, and it looks like we’re finally getting that withMindy Kaling’sVelma(2023).
This new version, as the title implies, will focus on the legendary brains of the series, Velma Dinkley, voiced by Kaling herself. Though plot details on this bold animated reinvention are slim, Kaling will be bringing with her a star-studded cast, some of whom will be playing some familiar faces that fans will no doubt recognize. With Velma having recently premiered on HBO Max here is everything we know so far about the mysterious mystery series.
Editor’s Note: This article was last updated on January 15 with the latest trailer.
Related:First ‘Velma’ Poster Spells Trouble for Its Leading Lady
Watch theTrailers for Velma
The debut trailer forVelmafeatures a tone and animation style that seems remarkably similar to that ofHBO Max’sHarley Quinn(2019-2022), complete with some on-the-nose meta humor.
The trailer begins with Velma contacting HBO Max directly in regard to an announcement that the streamer would be making a spin-off series ofThe Jetsons(1962-1963) following Judy Jetson. In what’s an obvious jab at internet outrage culture for beloved IPs, Velma expresses her criticism with extreme disdain, until she gets a mysterious phone call. In a clear homage toScream(1996), the call is from a serial killer inside Velma’s house, and the teaser ends with Velma screaming and blood splatter on her window (though it’s unlikely that the star of the show would have died in the trailer).
If one were to look closely at the trailer, one may notice some Easter Eggs referencing the rest of the Scooby gang. This includes an ad on the television showcasing “Jones Gentlemen Accessories” including blue clothing like Mystery Inc. leader Fred Jones’s (Glenn Howerton) iconic mascot. Velma’s room also contains a picture of her and what appears to be Daphne (Constance Wu), though the redhead’s eyes are crossed out with a red x on each of them, and the wall also features a missing person’s poster of a family member named Diya Dinkley. Finally, the trailer ends with a final shot of Velma’s mailbox with cryptic words etched into it reading “What is Scoobi??”
The second trailer forVelmadives a bit deeper into the plot of the new series, while also showing some elements that are a bit more familiar toScooby-Doofans. These include the introductions of Velma’s fellow Mystery Incorporated members, such as Constance Wu as Daphne, Glenn Howerton as Fred, andSam Richardsonas Norville (though his friends call him Shaggy). We also see that while yes, there is a brutal serial killer running amok Coolesville, there are also various ghosts and specters who are haunting Velma’s hometown. The trailer ends with the tease of a romantic subplot between Velma and Daphne, of which Velma proceeds to mock in meta fashion. The trailer certainly draws more of a magnifying glass on the upcoming murder mystery, but the biggest question around the show still remains - Where’s Scoob?
When and Where Is Velma Releasing?
No specific date was given in the reveal trailer forVelma, but the teaser did confirm thatVelmais still planned to hit streaming sometime in 2023.Velmapremiered its first two episodes on July 31, 2025. The HBO Max jab in the trailer wasn’t just a funny bit, asVelmais clearly willing to make fun of itself a little as the show will be an HBO Max exclusive, showing that Warner Brothers Discovery still has some faith in the franchise after canceling the sequel toScoob!(2022).
What Is the Plot of Velma?
The official poster and plot synopsis forVelmaconfirms that the series will take place in a time before Velma joined Mystery Incorporated, reading as follows:
VELMA is an adult animated comedy series telling the origin story of Velma Dinkley, the unsung and under appreciated brains of the Scooby-Doo Mystery Inc. gang. This original and humorous spin unmasks the complex and colorful past of one of America’s most beloved mystery solvers.
Obviously, a genuine serial killer being involved means that this story will be far darker with higher, bloodier stakes involved, but it will still have a heavy emphasis on solving a mystery, likely having something to do with Velma’s family member Diya that we mentioned earlier.
Who Is Making Velma?
Credited with creating the show isCharlie Grandy, who previously worked on the beloved sitcom,The Office(2005-2013). The show will also be produced by Mindy Kaling herself, as well as her collaborators onThe OfficeCharlie Grandy andHoward Klein, andPrimal(2019-2022) producerSam Register.
Related:Velma Officially Comes Out as a Lesbian in ‘Trick or Treat, Scooby Doo!’
Who IsStarring in Velma?
We’ve known since the show’s announcement that Mindy Kaling, who has already become a force in the world of comedy withThe OfficeandThe Mindy Projectwould be voicing Velma Dinkley, but we also learned who will be voicing the rest of the gang that will ultimately become Mystery Incorporated. These include Glenn Howerton (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) as Fred, Constance Wu (Fresh off the Boat) as Daphne, andSam Richardson(Hocus Pocus 2) as Norville (aka Shaggy). Veteran voice actorFrank Welker(Mortal Kombat), who has been a part of theScooby-Doofranchise since the beginning of the original series as Fred and then eventually Scooby himself, is also returning, presumably as the gang’s canine mascot once again.
The show is also boasting an impressive cast of supporting characters, consisting ofMing-Na Wen(Mulan),Gary Cole(Bob’s Burgers),Debbie Ryan(Jessie),Melissa Fumero(Brooklyn Nine-Nine),Stephen Root(Barry),Ken Leung(Old),Jane Lynch(Glee),Cherry Jones(Succession),Shay Mitchell(Pretty Little Liars),‘Weird Al’ Yankovic(Milo Murphy’s Law),Sarayu Blue(The Unicorn),Nicole Byer(Grand Crew),Wanda Sykes(Harley Quinn),Fortune Feimster(Office Christmas Party),Yvonne Orji(Insecure),Russell Peters(Source Code),Kulap Vilaysack(Bajillion Dollar Propertie$), Minnesota Timberwolves basketball starKarl-Anthony Towns(What Men Want), andCameron Hales(My Virtual Escape).
Is Velma Getting a Season 2?
A second season has not yet been confirmed, so we’ll have to wait and see what Velma has in store for audiences when it premieres later next year.
