“The Young and the Restless” alum McKenna Grace has landed one of the lead roles in the live-action “Scooby-Doo” TV series set up at Netflix with an eight-episode order.
Grace will portray Daphne Blake, the iconic redhead from the Mystery Inc. gang, who investigates ghost activity. The series will follow the crew from the moment they first met, Variety reports.
“During their final summer at camp, old friends Shaggy and Daphne (Grace) get embroiled in a haunting mystery surrounding a lonely, lost Great Dane puppy that may have been a witness to a supernatural murder,” reads a logline for the series. “Together with the pragmatic and scientific townie, Velma, and the strange, but ever so handsome new kid, Freddy, they set out to solve the case that is pulling each of them into a creepy nightmare that threatens to expose all of their secrets.”
“Oh my jeepers,” commented Grace in an Instagram post highlighting her casting.
“I can’t believe life is real. I could cry all over again just looking at this announcement. So thankful, SO excited.”
Though Grace’s casting marks the first time she’ll take on the role of Daphne Blake in a live-action setting, it is actually her third time portraying the character overall, having previously voiced the character in the 2020 animated film “Scoob!” and its axed sequel, “Scoob! Holiday Haunt,” which was shelved by Warner Bros. Discovery in a costing cutting move.
Soap fans will remember Grace for her portrayal as Faith Newman, the daughter of Nicholas Newman (Joshua Morrow) and Sharon Newman (Sharon Case). She appeared on the soap opera off and on from 2013-2015, often splitting time in the role with Alyvia Alyn Lind, who played Faith from 2011-2013, and then 2014-2021. Reylynn Caster currently portrays the character.
Since exiting the long-running drama series, Grace has gone on to make a name for herself in Hollywood, appearing in episodes of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Fuller House,” “The Haunting of Hill House,” “Designated Survivor” and “Young Sheldon,” among others. She’s also starred in several films, including “Gifted,” “I, Tonya,” “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” and its sequel “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.” More recently, she’s starred in the films “Regretting You” and “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2.” In 20021, Grace received a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Esther Keyes on “The Handmaid’s Tale.”
Grace can next be seen in “Scream 7,” bowing Friday, February 27, and featuring Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox reprising their roles as Sidney Prescott and Gale Weathers, respectively. She’ll also star in “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,” scheduled for release on Friday, November 20.