The Most Epic Fantasy and Sci-Fi Website

When is Velma Coming Out?


Mindy Kaling as Velma
Credit: HBO Max

Velma Dinkley, otherwise known as the much-loved brainy member of the Scooby-Doo Mystery Inc. gang, is getting her own origin story. And that's not all-- it appears that the brainiac is coming out as a lesbian in the latest HBO Max adult animated series.

The big news was revealed at New York Comic Con panel where the star-studded cast of the show was revealed as well. Here's what we know about the spin-off series right now:

Is Velma Getting Her Own Show?

Dinkley residence in Velma
click to enlarge
+ 5
Credit: HBO Max

The official logline of the series describes the show as "the origin story of Velma Dinkley, the unsung and underappreciated brains of the Scooby-Doo Mystery Inc. gang. This original and humorous spin unmasks the complex and colorful past of one of America's most beloved mystery solvers."

As revealed by executive producer Mindy Kaling, Velma's origin story will be "a journey of self-discovery" of the timeless character. Apart from boldly revealing the real gender of Velma, Kaling has turned the character Indian.

Speaking to Deadline, Kaling explains:

"I think of the characters in this are iconic but in no way… are they defined by their whiteness. Most Indian American [women], when they see skeptical, hardworking under-appreciated characters, they can identify with her. The vast majority are ready for it. This show is for them."

In another interview, Kaling also explained that "You've hopefully noticed by now my Velma is South Asian. And if people freak out about that, I don't care. No one's imaginations ever had a problem with a talking dog solving mysteries. So a brown Velma is fine."

The actress also shared that they "want to honor other interpretations and what we think feels really modern."

When Will Velma be on HBO Max?

Mindy Kaling as Velma typing message for HBO Max in Velma
click to enlarge
+ 5
Credit: HBO Max

As of this writing, the adult animated series is not yet available for release. The first season of Velma will make its debut on HBO Max sometime in 2023. It will consist of 10 episodes.

According to TVLine, HBO Max quietly revealed its "What's New in January" slate on December 20 and included the release date of Velma. The show is said to make its release on Thursday, January 12, 2023 with two episodes getting released per week.

The first season will have a total of 10 episodes.

Will Scooby-Doo Be in Velma?

Mindy Kaling as Velma lying down on bed in Velma
click to enlarge
+ 5
Credit: HBO Max

It wouldn't be a Scooby-Doo movie without, well, Scooby-Doo. And yes, this is why the beloved talking dog is not in this series. Together with Kaling, showrunner Charlie Grandy explains that they struggled to look for a take on "that mangy mutt."

Grandy said that "It felt like what made it a kids' show was Scooby-Doo. That coincided with Warner Bros. Animation saying, 'Hey, you can't use the dog.' So we were like, 'Great, this works out well.'"

Who'll Be Part of the Velma Cast?

Mindy Kaling as Velma on the phone in Velma
click to enlarge
+ 5
Credit: HBO Max

Since this is an adult animation, we won't actually get to see the actors on our screens but hear their voices. The star-studded cast includes the following:

  • Mindy Kaling (as Velma)
  • Sam Richardson (as Shaggy)
  • Constance Wu (as Daphne)
  • Glenn Howerton (as Fred)
  • Jane Lynch
  • Wanda Sykes
  • Russell Peters
  • Melissa Fumero
  • Stephen Root
  • Gary Cole
  • Ken Leung
  • Cherry Jones
  • Frank Welker
  • "Weird Al" Yankovic
  • Fortune Feimster
  • Yvonne Orji
  • Sarayu Blue
  • Nicole Byer
  • Ming-Na Wen
  • Shay Mitchell
  • Debby Ryan
  • Kulap Vilaysack
  • Karl-Anthony Towns

Is There a Velma Trailer?

Mindy Kaling as Velma with unknown man with knife in Velma
click to enlarge
+ 5
Credit: HBO Max

When the show was revealed, a teaser was also released. You can watch it here:



RELATED: Entergalactic Age Rating Parental Guide

For more articles like this, take a look at our Queries, HBO, and Velma pages.