When it comes to uncovering crime, the collaborative of Mystery Inc. has been a force to be reckoned for nearly 50 years. But, did you know that Daphne and Velma were solving mysteries long before joining Scooby Doo and the gang? Widely known as the kick-ass feminine forces behind the animated sleuthing squad, which also notably includes the likes of Fred, Shaggy and the lovable four-legged friend, Scooby Doo, Daphne and Velma have notably impressed fans with their investigative prowess since the creation of the animated franchise in 1969. Thanks to a new live-action film, fans will get to see the fearless femme phenoms in action – prior to their merger with the Scooby collective.
The forthcoming film, which Deadline reports will feature Sarah Jeffrey as Daphne Blake and Sarah Gilman as Velma Dinkley, seeks to open up to a whole new generation of fans, offering insight into the origins of the dynamic duo and their longtime friendship while putting a bit of a modern spin on the beloved characters backgrounds. According to details surrounding the movie, Daphne and Velma will give viewers a clearer perspective on how their sleuthing careers began, revealing that the pair meet after first becoming BFFs online over their shared interest in crime-solving when Daphne gets transferred to Velma’s tech-savvy institution, Ridge Valley High. As newfound besties, Daphne and Velma suspect that something strange is going on at school when several of Ridge Valley's top students go missing and join forces to investigate the disappearances. Deadline indicates that the pair will also find themselves morphed into zombie-like creatures somewhere along the way during the film, which will be released by Warner Bros. Television Group’s digital studio, Blue Ribbon Content sometime in 2018.
The forthcoming film, currently in development with Ashley Tisdale and Jennifer Tisdale’s Blondie Girl Productions, will speak to viewers "from a female perspective," according to a statement from the Tisdale sisters, who will also serve as producers on the upcoming project. It's an angle that has undoubtedly been underserved amidst the film industry as women have largely remained unsung heroes throughout the history of cinema, often being casted in ensembles, or as love interests to their lead male counterparts. It's, sadly, a rare instance when a female character, or in this case, two female characters, have the complete spotlight.
Some 48 years after the series' first airing, the new prequel will allow the widely-recognized characters an opportunity to receive shine as leading ladies of their very own narrative. Amidst their statement for the upcoming film, the Tisdale siblings gushed about the project's iconic characters:
“It’s so exciting to partner with Warner Home Entertainment and Blue Ribbon Content to introduce a new generation to the smart, charismatic, fearless females that we all know and love.”
Meanwhile EVP of Blue Ribbon Content & EVP Alternative Programming at Warner Bros. Animation Peter Girardi shared excitement over the film, explaining,
“We wanted to give the audience a new take on these two familiar faces, who are fan favorites in the Scooby-Doo universe. Daphne and Velma are two iconic and strong female characters, and this latest adventure of theirs will be both inspiring and entertaining for the audience.”
Fans of the animation can't seem to get enough of the feminist duo, taking to social media to express their excitement for the reimagining.
1. It's Really Happening
One Twitter user was overjoyed amidst hearing the news that daphne and Velma were getting their own spin-off.
2. Totally Here For It
This fan seems to be super happy about the new film and its potential.
3. Who Runs The World? Girls!
Another social media user is overjoyed about the girl power taking place int he the film industry right now.
4. Scooby Who?
Meanwhile, this enthusiast admits that they won't even miss the rest of the mystery gang when the film debuts.
5. On Repeat
This Twitter fan can't get enough of the news.
6. Pre-Paid
Another fan wants to pay upfront to see the film and doesn't care how much it costs.
While it's certainly no mystery that Daphne and Velma have long been the brains of the entire Mystery Gang operation, this new film will finally give the meddling characters the recognition that they have long deserved.
