Velma's voice actor says iconic Scooby-Doo characters are 'not defined by their whiteness'

We’d bet onVelma being 2023’s best reboot, after all, she’s always been the Scooby Gang’s coolest member (soz, Shaggy).

Sassy, quick-witted and smarter than all the boys, Velma Dinkley is as cool as ghost-hunting teenagers come and HBO Max’s animated origin story puts her at the centre of the narrative for the first time.

Mindy Kaling - who voices Velma - swung by New York Comic Con on Thursday (6 October) to talk about the series and opened up about the decision to reimagine Velma as a South Asian girl.

Watch the first trailer for the show below:

Kaling had previously responded to the backlash she faced after being announced as the star of the show, saying on Late Night With Seth Meyers that people were 'not happy' when it was confirmed Velma would be reimagined as a South Asian character.

She explained this week: “I think the characters in this are iconic but in no way are they defined by their whiteness.

“Most Indian American [women], when they see sceptical, hardworking under-appreciated characters, they can identify with her. The vast majority are ready for it. This show is for them.”

She added, according to Deadline: “Growing up I identified with Velma. She was so cute but not traditionally hot… with a questionable haircut. 

“I feel so honoured I get to do the voice. She’s a truth teller, cutting through the bulls**t of life. 

“When you are smart and under-appreciated. I hope people appreciate that.”

Spilling some details about Velma’s plot, Kaling continued: “This is a journey of self discovery for her, which drew us to this character.

“It’s a high school show with the events and the dances in addition to it being a murder mystery.

“Obviously, Daphne and Fred are popular while Velma is an outsider. Seeing them come together is the fun about the show.”

Voicing the other members of the Scooby Gang are Glenn Howerton as Fred, Constance Wu as Daphne and Sam Richardson as Shaggy.

Rich Gold / Alamy Stock Photo

HBO Max’s official show synopsis says: “Velma is an adult animated comedy series telling the origin story of Velma Dinkley, the unsung and under-appreciated brains of the Scooby-Doo Mystery Inc. gang.

"This original and humorous spin unmasks the complex and colourful past of one of America’s most beloved mystery solvers.” 

And recently, there was also great news for the LGBTQ+ community after clips from the newest movie in the franchise,Trick or Treat Scooby Doo, finally confirmed everyone's belief that Velma is a lesbian.

The character is shown getting flustered at the sight of cool fashion designer, Coco Diablo.

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