Warner Bros. Animation has officially partnered with Japanese animation studio OLM to produce Yokoso Scooby-Doo!, the first anime-inspired installment in the long-running Scooby-Doo franchise.
The announcement marks a historic crossover between Western animation and Japanese anime production, bringing the beloved mystery-solving series into a new cultural and visual direction.
Scooby-Doo Heads to Japan
According to official details, “Yokoso Scooby-Doo!” follows Shaggy Rogers and Scooby-Doo as they travel to Japan for what was initially planned as a relaxing foodie vacation.
Their trip quickly spirals into chaos after they accidentally unleash hundreds of yokai and supernatural creatures rooted in Japanese folklore. The pair soon find themselves entangled in a mystery far more supernatural than the traditional cases typically handled by Mystery Inc.
The project aims to combine classic Scooby-Doo comedy with anime-inspired storytelling and Japanese mythological themes.
OLM Brings Anime Expertise
OLM widely recognized for producing Pokémon and The Apothecary Diaries, will oversee animation production for the series.
Industry observers note that OLM’s involvement significantly raises anticipation for the project, particularly among anime fans eager to see how the studio adapts the iconic American franchise into an anime-inspired format.
Fans online have already compared the concept to supernatural anime adventures that blend comedy, folklore, and mystery elements.
Original Franchise Voices Return
Longtime franchise voice actors Matthew Lillard and Frank Welker are confirmed to reprise their iconic roles as Shaggy and Scooby-Doo, respectively.
Lillard has voiced Shaggy across numerous projects since the early 2000s, while Welker has remained closely associated with the Scooby-Doo franchise for more than five decades.
Streaming and Global Release
The anime-inspired series will stream exclusively on Tubi in North America, while international broadcasts are planned through Cartoon Network.
No official premiere date has been announced as of writing.
Growing Trend of Cross Cultural Animation Projects
Industry analysts view “Yokoso Scooby-Doo!” as part of a broader trend of Western entertainment companies collaborating with Japanese studios to create globally appealing anime-inspired reinterpretations of established franchises.
The project has already generated significant online buzz, with fans praising the idea of Scooby-Doo exploring Japanese folklore and yokai mythology through an anime lens.
With a unique premise, major animation talent, and a globally recognized franchise, “Yokoso Scooby-Doo!” is shaping up to become one of the most talked-about animated projects currently in development.