André 3000 Joins Netflix's Live-Action Scooby-Doo: Origins

André 3000, whose real name is André Benjamin, has joined the cast of Netflix's live-action "Scooby-Doo: Origins" in a recurring role. The announcement was made while the series is actively filming in Atlanta, Georgia. Benjamin, widely known as one half of the iconic hip-hop duo OutKast, brings a significant acting background to the project, with past roles in films such as the Jimi Hendrix biopic "Jimi: All Is By My Side," "Idlewild," "Four Brothers," and "Be Cool." His television credits include "The Shield" and "American Crime," as well as his own animated series "Class of 3000" on Cartoon Network. Notably, OutKast previously contributed the song "Land of a Million Drums" to the soundtrack of the 2002 "Scooby-Doo" film, creating a subtle franchise connection for the artist. Joining André 3000 in a recurring capacity is veteran actress Cathy Moriarty, recognized for her roles in "Raging Bull" and "Casper." The specific characters that both Benjamin and Moriarty will portray are being kept confidential, a practice consistent with how the production has handled previous casting announcements. The series is described as a modern reimagining of the beloved mystery-solving teenagers and their canine companion. The official logline indicates that the story will focus on "old friends Shaggy (played by Tanner Hagen) and Daphne (played by Mckenna Grace) during their final summer at camp." The ensemble cast for "Scooby-Doo: Origins" is steadily growing, with previously announced actors including Mckenna Grace as Daphne Blake, Tanner Hagen as Norville "Shaggy" Rogers, Abby Ryder Fortson as Velma Dinkley, and Maxwell Jenkins as Fred Jones. Paul Walter Hauser is also attached to the project in an undisclosed role, alongside other confirmed cast members such as Sara Gilbert, Bruce McGill, and Sherilyn Fenn. The production aims for a 2027 release, with filming currently underway in Atlanta. This expansion of the Scooby-Doo universe into a live-action origin story on Netflix aims to capture a new generation of viewers while appealing to long-time fans of the franchise.