Cartoon Sets 'Scooby-Doo' Prequel For Fall 2009

Cartoon Network will team with Warner Premiere to develop a live-action prequel to the popular Scooby-Doo franchise.

Scooby-Doo: In The Beginning, which will combine live-action and CG animation technology, will debut on the network in fall 2009, according to the Time Warner-owned basic cable network.

The movie will take place prior to the 2002 and 2004 live-action Scooby-Doo films and will follow the Mystery Inc. gang as mismatched, unlikely teenage pals who unite for the first time to solve a scary mystery at their high school.

“This contemporary take on Scooby Doo will be an exciting movie event on Cartoon Network,” said Rob Sorcher, chief content officer for Cartoon Network, in a statement. “This project is also an anchor component of our new push into movies, our great partnership with Warner Premiere and the overall expansion of Cartoon Network programming efforts.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.