Dax Shepard looks to be coming aboard the animated Scooby-Doo movie as co-director
Dax Shepard appears to be climbing inside the Mystery Machine as Variety today reports that the actor and director is in talks to co-direct the studio’s upcoming animated Scooby-Doo movie. Tony Cervone, who served as animation director on Space Jam, is also attached to the project, which has previously been referred to as S.C.O.O.B. Today’s update, however, does not make any reference to that title.
Matt Lieberman originally wrote the film, the script for which Dax Shepard will now collaborate on. Initially, the plan was to use the feature to expand the Hanna-Barbera franchise with plans to incorporate some non-Scooby-Doo characters into the plot. Whether or not that is still the plan remains to be seen, but check back for updates as they become available.
“Like countless fans, I have always loved the Hanna-Barbera cast of characters,” said WB executive Greg Silverman when plans for the feature were first announced. “As one of their most famous brand ambassadors, Scooby-Doo will take the lead in re-introducing this pantheon of enduringly popular animated stars on a grand scale with an exciting new movie.”
Renowned animation icon Dan Povenmire (Phineas and Ferb) is also bringing his creative sensibilities to the Scooby-Doo movie as an executive producer.
Dax Shepard is no stranger to working with Warner Bros. He’s writing and directing the studio’s upcoming comedy CHiPs and is also slated to star alongside Michael Pena, Vincent D’Onofrio, Adam Brody and Rosa Salazar. Look for it to hit the big screen August 11, 2017.
The new Scooby-Doo movie, meanwhile, will be a Warner Bros. Pictures presentation released under the Warner Animation Group banner. Look for it to hit theaters on September 21, 2018.
(Photo Credit: FayesVision / WENN.com)
