Before the oversized glasses and the orange turtleneck became iconic, Velma Dinkley was already the quiet engine of Mystery Inc., a painting of how the smartest person in the room is usually the one everyone overlooks. Now, a legacy of logic is being passed from one generation of sleuths to the next as Netflix prepares to revive the spookiest summer camp in history.

Linda Cardellini, the original live-action Velma from the 2002 and 2004 Scooby-Doo films, has even shared her excitement and advice for the one who has been cast as the new Velma in Netflix's upcoming live-action series

The orange sweater is officially changing hands as a legendary mentor offers her blessing to the new bespectacled investigator.

Linda Cardellini probably understands the weight of the magnifying glass better than anyone else in Hollywood. In a conversation with The Wrap on the future of the Scooby-Doo franchise, she expressed joy about the next chapter of the mystery-solving team being helmed by Netflix, which will be a Scooby-Doo origin series.

She even pitched in her two cents for Malia Baker, the next Velma in Scooby-Doo origin series.

"For me, it was fun because you are somebody who's very, very smart but also very silly, she's so beloved, it's the most fun thing seeing little kids dress up as her for Halloween”, Cardellini exclaimed. Her perspective remains rooted in the deep affection she holds for the brilliant, albeit clumsy, detective.

She further encouraged Malia Baker to lean into the atmospheric tension that defines the Scooby-Doo universe. The veteran actress believes the magic lies in the unique combination of scary elements and comedic timing.

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The cinematic history of the Mystery Machine drivers, in fact, provides a sturdy foundation for this ambitious modern reimagining.

The early live-action films utilized a campy, neon-soaked aesthetic that brought the 1960s cartoon to life with a self-aware wink. Linda Cardellini portrayed Velma as the grounded heart of the group, often serving as the bridge between Shaggy's antics and Fred's leadership in the 2002 and 2004 Scooby-Doo and Scooby-Doo2: Monsters Unleashed, respectively. 

The upcoming Netflix project, Scooby-Doo origin series, shifts the tone toward a supernatural murder mystery set at a summer camp. This version draws inspiration from the atmosphere of Stranger Things to create a bold and bright visual experience. By focusing on a younger cast, the production aims to explore the origins of the group's famous bond.

Viewers could expect a narrative that prioritizes the mystery of how the gang first met during a terrifying incident involving a puppy. With McKenna Grace starring as Daphne, the other half of the girl duo, the series will likely balance teenage drama with legitimate horror elements. Filming is scheduled to commence in April 2026 to bring this fresh perspective to life.

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What do you think about Velma from Scooby Do And what do you expect from Malia Baker? Let us know in the comments.