Matthew Lillard returns as Shaggy in first-ever ‘Scooby-Doo’ anime series

Matthew Lillard is stepping back into the role of Shaggy as the “Scooby-Doo” franchise enters a new era with its first-ever anime series, marking a fresh global reimagining of the long-running mystery-solving saga.

Streaming platform Tubi has announced the upcoming series, titled Yokoso Scooby-Doo!, produced in partnership with Warner Bros. Animation, with Japan’s OLM Studios handling production and director Itsuro Kawasaki leading the project. The series will also feature Frank Welker returning as Scooby-Doo.

Lillard, who originally portrayed Shaggy Rogers in the 2002 live-action Scooby-Doo film, reprises his fan-favourite role for the animated project, which places Mystery Inc. in Japan for a food-filled adventure that quickly spirals into chaos.

According to the official logline, the gang inadvertently unleashes hundreds of mythical creatures across the country and must work together to restore order. They are joined by Scooby’s uncle Daisuke-Doo and new allies including magical girl Yume and tech-savvy Takumi.

The series will premiere on Tubi in the United States, with international distribution set through Cartoon Network.

Warner Bros. Animation president Sam Register described the project as a bold step forward for the franchise, saying the team is excited to “push Scooby-Doo forward” with its first original anime adaptation while maintaining the signature mystery and humour fans expect.

Tubi chief content officer Adam Lewinson said the series aims to reinvent the franchise for global audiences, blending familiar characters with a fresh anime style and new storytelling approach designed to appeal across generations.

Lillard has previously expressed enthusiasm for bringing Scooby-Doo back to a new generation, saying animated storytelling remains a vital entry point for young audiences into mystery and adventure genres.

The announcement comes alongside other developments in the franchise, including Netflix’s live-action prequel Scooby-Doo: Origins, which explores the formation of Mystery Inc. during the characters’ teenage years.

The original Scooby-Doo franchise debuted in 1969 and has since expanded into multiple animated series, films, and spin-offs, becoming one of the most enduring properties in animation history.