"What's New, Scooby-Doo?" revitalizes the classic mystery-solving gang by placing Scooby-Doo and his friends in contemporary settings filled with fresh and intriguing cases. The show follows Fred Jones, voiced by Frank Welker, and Shaggy Rogers, with the iconic voice of Casey Kasem, along with Daphne, Velma, and of course, Scooby-Doo himself, as they unravel a series of supernatural mysteries that often turn out to have logical explanations. This modern take retains the core elements of the beloved franchise, blending humor, suspense, and teamwork in each episode.
Central to "What's New, Scooby-Doo?" are themes of friendship, critical thinking, and courage in the face of the unknown. The series emphasizes the value of skepticism, encouraging viewers to look beyond surface appearances to uncover the truth. It also highlights the importance of cooperation among friends, as each character contributes unique skills and perspectives to solving cases. Despite its lighthearted tone, the show subtly addresses the fear of the unknown and the power of facing one’s fears with humor and determination.
The show has been well-received for successfully bringing Scooby-Doo to a new generation while honoring its rich heritage. Its impact on pop culture is evident, with the characters remaining iconic figures in animation and inspiring countless adaptations, merchandise, and fan communities. "What's New, Scooby-Doo?" not only entertained but also reinforced the franchise’s message of curiosity and friendship, securing its place as a timeless piece of the comedic mystery genre.
Ran for 3 seasons.
Main Cast of What's New, Scooby-Doo?
Frank Welker
Fred Jones / Scooby-Doo (voice)
Frank Welker played a pivotal role in the TV series 'What's New,
Scooby-Doo?', voicing the iconic character Fred Jones as well as taking on the task of voicing numerous animal sounds throughout the show. His performance was widely praised for bringing a fresh yet faithful energy to Fred, balancing leadership with humor in a way that both longtime fans and new viewers appreciated. What made Welker's contribution unique was his ability to seamlessly voice Fred's dialogue while also providing a wide array of vocal effects, particularly animal noises, showcasing his extraordinary vocal range. A lesser-known fact about Welker's involvement is that besides being the original voice of Fred since the 1969 series, his dedication to the franchise includes performing nearly all animal sounds in 'What's New, Scooby-Doo?', a skill so impressive that it became a signature element of the show's auditory experience.
Casey Kasem
Shaggy Rogers (voice)
Fans of Casey Kasem will appreciate his role in the TV show "What's New, Scooby-Doo?" because he reprises his iconic role as Shaggy Rogers, bringing his distinctive voice and comedic timing that originally made the character beloved in earlier Scooby-Doo series. Compared to his most iconic performance as Shaggy in the original classic Scooby-Doo series, this newer iteration offers a fresh, modernized take on the character while maintaining the charm and humor Kasem was known for. An interesting detail is that Casey Kasem was passionate about portraying Shaggy as a vegetarian, reflecting his own lifestyle, which added an unexpected layer of consistency and personal touch to his performance and helped influence the character's development in the series.
Mindy Cohn
Velma Dinkley (voice)
Fans of Mindy Cohn would enjoy her role as Natalie in 'What's New, Scooby-Doo?' because it showcases her signature voice acting talent, bringing a quirky, upbeat character to life. Known primarily for her iconic portrayal of Natalie Green on the sitcom '
The Facts of Life,' Cohn transitions seamlessly from live-action to animation, maintaining her characteristic warm and endearing presence. An interesting detail is that her role in 'What's New, Scooby-Doo?' marked her first recurring part in an animated series, highlighting her versatility and passion for voice work beyond her well-known sitcom role.
Eric Bana
Hector
Eric Bana's portrayal of Hector in the TV series 'What's New, Scooby-Doo?' is a compelling display of his versatile acting skills, showcasing a character that blends a mix of charm and subtle menace. Unlike his intense and often gritty roles in films like '
Black Hawk Down' and 'Munich,' Bana brings a lighter, more animated energy to this voice role, allowing him to explore a different facet of his craft. Interestingly, this role is one of his few voice acting gigs, demonstrating his adaptability as an actor. A fun trivia fact is that Eric Bana once also voiced a character in the animated film 'The Secret Life of Pets 2,' further emphasizing his foray into voice acting beyond live-action performances.
Grey DeLisle
Daphne Blake (voice)
Grey DeLisle lent her vocal talents to the popular animated series "What's New, Scooby-Doo?", where she voiced several characters, most notably the iconic Daphne Blake in seasons two through three. Her performance was celebrated for bringing a fresh, vibrant energy to Daphne, balancing charm with a modern, independent spirit that resonated well with both new audiences and longtime fans. What made her portrayal unique was her ability to infuse Daphne with a nuanced blend of intelligence and humor, making the character more relatable and dynamic compared to earlier iterations. A lesser-known fact about her involvement is that Grey DeLisle was initially a reluctant participant, as she was primarily known for her singing and other voice roles; however, after befriending the show's producers, she embraced the opportunity and even contributed suggestions to Daphne's dialogue, enhancing the character's wit and personality behind the scenes.
Brendan Gleeson
Menelaos
Brendan Gleeson fans might appreciate his guest role in "What's New, Scooby-Doo?" because it showcases his versatility and ability to bring warmth and subtle humor to animated roles, differing from his typically intense, dramatic characters like Alastor Moody in the "Harry Potter" series. While Alastor Moody is known for his gruff exterior and serious demeanor, his role in Scooby-Doo highlights a lighter, more playful side. An interesting detail is that Gleeson’s voice acting in the series was not widely publicized, making it a hidden gem for fans who recognize his distinctive voice and charisma.
Diane Kruger
Helen
Priam
Saffron Burrows
Andromache
Vincent Regan
Eudorus
Julie Christie
Thetis
Nathan Jones
Boagrius
John Shrapnel
Nestor
Julian Glover
Triopas
Trevor Eve
Velior
Frankie Fitzgerald
Aeneas
Lucie Barat
Helen's Handmaiden
Siri Svegler
Polydora
Manuel Cauchi
Old Spartan Fisherman
Tyler Mane
Ajax
Louis Dempsey
Aphareus
Joshua Richards
Haemon
Tim Chipping
Echepolus
Desislava Stefanova
Singing Woman
Tanja Tzarovska
Singing Woman
Adoni Maropis
Agamemnon's Officer
Alex King
Apollonian Guard
Crew of What's New, Scooby-Doo?
Full backstage crew list →