‘Yokoso Scooby-Doo!’ Anime at Tubi With Matthew Lillard, Frank Welker

Zoinkt! “Scooby-Doo” is going to be an anime. Tubi has released the new animated series “Yokoso Scooby-Doo!” – which means “Welcome Scooby-Doo” – which focuses on Scooby-Doo and Shaggy, starring “Scooby-Doo!” voice actors Frank Welker (“Scoob!”) and Matthew Lillard (“Scream”) as the two leads.

“Yokoso Scooby-Doo!” is the first original anime “Scooby-Doo!” series, and is produced by Warner Bros. Animation. Tubi has exclusive rights to the series in North America, while Cartoon Network will carry it internationally.

“Scooby-Doo is one of the most beloved franchises in entertainment, and ‘Yokoso Scooby-Doo!’ let’s reinvent it in a way fans haven’t seen before,” said Adam Lewinson, Tubi’s Chief Content Officer, in a statement. “By bringing Scooby and Shaggy to a bold anime world set in Japan, we connect with global fandoms and deliver the kind of fun, chaotic mystery that travels through the generations. As we expand our animation program, this is exactly our kind of storytelling for fans: familiar, surprising and unmistakably Tubi.”

Here’s the logline: “While visiting Japan for the ultimate foodie adventure, Scooby-Doo and Shaggy unwittingly unleash hundreds of mythical monsters that cause trouble across the country. With the help of Scooby’s uncle, Daisuke-Doo, along with new friends, a magical girl Yume and gadget expert Takumi, the group embarks on an all-new mystery full of monster hunting and fun mayhem.”

Welker has been the voice of Scooby-Doo for more than twenty years and has been a part of the “Scooby-Doo” franchise since the beginning, as the voice of Fred Jones in “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” premiered in 1969. Lillard played Shaggy in the live-action Scooby-Doo films and has since voiced the character in multiple animated series.

This is the first anime “Scooby-Doo!” but not the first adventure in Japan for the characters. The 2009 direct-to-video film “Scooby-Doo! and the Samurai Sword” took place in the country.

“Welcome to Mystery Inc., Tubi!” said Warner Bros. Animation, Cartoon Network Studios and Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe president Sam Register said in a statement. “We’re excited to collaborate on this next chapter as we advance the Scooby-Doo franchise with its first-ever original anime series. Alongside the incredible artists at OLM, we’ll be unmasking a new set of mysteries, signature gags and – of course – plenty of Scooby Snacks, all brought to life through the dynamic art of anime.”

This is the second announcement of the day about a project from one of Warner Bros. animation studios. Discovery going to the competition instead of Cartoon Network/HBO Max. Disney+ and Hulu have announced the June 29 U.S. premiere date for the new animated series “Adventure Time: Side Quests,” produced by Cartoon Network Studios.

“Yokoso Scooby-Doo!” is directed by Itsuro Kawasaki, while Francisco Paredes is co-producer. OLM in Japan will provide production services, while Warner Bros. Animation producer.