Scooby-Doo (film)

In 2002, Warner Bros. Pictures released *Scooby-Doo*, a live-action comedy horror film also known as *Scooby-Doo: The Movie*. Directed by Raja Gosnell with a script by James Gunn, it was the first live-action film in the franchise. The cast includes Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar, Matthew Lillard, Linda Cardellini, and Rowan Atkinson, while Neil Fanning provides the voice of the Great Dane. The story follows the young sleuths of Mystery, Inc., who reunite after two years apart to investigate strange events at a horror-themed tropical island resort. Filming took place in Queensland, Australia, with an $84 million budget. Two versions of the classic theme song were recorded for the film: one by reggae artist Shaggy and another by punk band MxPx. Released on June 14, 2002, the movie was a commercial hit, earning $275 million against its budget, though critics generally gave it negative reviews. That same year, a ride called the Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster opened at Warner Bros. Movie World in Queensland. A sequel, *Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed*, followed in 2004. Both films later developed a cult following.

The plot begins after Mystery, Inc. solves a case involving the Luna Ghost, but internal conflicts cause the group to split. Fred Jones has become arrogant, Daphne Blake resents being the damsel in distress, and Velma Dinkley feels Fred takes credit for her work. They disband, leaving Shaggy Rogers and Scooby-Doo heartbroken. Two years later, each member receives a separate invitation to Spooky Island, a resort owned by Emile Mondavarious, who suspects a demonic curse is affecting guests. Shaggy and Scooby hope to reunite the gang, while the others plan to solve the mystery alone. At a ritual performance, actor N'Goo Tuana and luchador Zarkos claim ancient demons once ruled the island. Shaggy meets Mary Jane, who is allergic to dogs, causing him to neglect Scooby. Scooby encounters demons in the forest but is not believed. The gang eventually meets at an abandoned haunted house ride and decides to work together. They discover a pyramid artifact called the Daemon Ritus and are attacked by Zarkos, but escape. Later, demons attack the hotel; Fred and Velma are captured and possessed. The next day, the damage is repaired, and guests act normally. Scooby and Shaggy find Fred possessed, and Scooby realizes Mary Jane is also possessed.