The upcoming Netflix Scooby-Doo series has many fans in a flutter. This might be due to the live-action casting of the 2002 Scooby-Doo movie. Somehow, the casting director absolutely nailed it, and we're all still dreaming about it.
As incredible as that cast was, it doesn't seem likely we'll see them appear again as our favorite Scooby-Doo characters. However, it does open the door for a new generation of actors and actresses to portray our favorite Scooby-Doo characters.
If there's one character who never gets enough love, it's Velma. That fact is doubly true after the horrible Max series. Now more than ever, Netflix has to get this right, as Velma Dinkley is a great character. She's smart, determined, and a huge part of why the group is as successful as they are when capturing villains.
Ultimately, picking someone to portray Velma is no easy or small feat, but these are a few actresses who would be great as Velma Dinkley. Honestly, there are so many talented actresses out there, so I don't envy Netflix. Who knows? They might end up going with someone completely unknown.
These actresses would all make a great Velma Dinkley.
1. Sofia Wylie
The first actress on my list is Sofia Wylie. When doing some research, I stumbled upon Sofia, and she seemed like she had the perfect girl-next-door look. While Velma is usually classified as nerdy, she isn't afraid to share what she's thinking or present an idea no one else will understand. While Sofia has starred in other beloved series, I'd love to see her take on something like Scooby-Doo. While she might be a little busy with any upcoming film promo, she was one of the first actresses I stumbled upon.
2. Malia Baker
If I had to pick a first choice to play Velma, it would be Malia Baker. This one might be a slightly biased choice, but I've enjoyed every single one of Malia Baker's performances. Most notably, the way she portrayed Mary-Anne Spier in The Baby-Sitters Club series was excellent. She has such an adorable face, and she already looks great in glasses. The only disappointing thing is that, like Sofia, she's very busy and has tons of projects in the work, so hopefully this one would be a fit for her. If not, she's worth considering, at least.
3. Isabela Merced
If you don't know Isabla Merced, where have you been? This wouldn't be her first try at portraying an iconic character we all know and love. She played Dora the Explorer in 2019's Dora and the Lost City of Gold. She's starred in another Netflix project, Let It Snow. As with the first two, her schedule might be a little bit packed as she'll likely have to promote both Superman and The Last of Us. Maybe Scooby-Doo won't be in her wheelhouse after those two projects come out, but she's worth the mention.
4. Bailee Madison
This next actress is one I'd love to see catch a break, and that's Bailee Madison. She's been getting steady work, but most of her TV appearances aren't long-lasting. It's frustrating because she does such an excellent job, and the networks don't seem to realize that. However, having her cast as Velma, if only for those 8 episodes, might be the push Netflix needs to renew the series. Either way, Bailee Madison is a great pick who deserves a lot more than she's been given.
5. Haley Lu Richardson
Last but not least, the final actress who came to mind was Haley Lu Richardson. Truthfully, I've never watched her in anything, but she is such a huge Jonas Brothers fan and someone who would have the personality to pull off Velma. I can just picture her with the glasses and bob, ready to take on a case with the rest of the gang. While she might be out of the range to play a teenager, she still looks young and could do an excellent job of playing our Velma.