UTA Signs 'Scooby-Doo: Origins' Star Maxwell Jenkins
UTA has signed Maxwell Jenkins for representation in all areas, following a competitive pursuit. Jenkins is set to play Fred Jones in Netflix's live-action 'Scooby-Doo: Origins,' which is eyeing a 2027 release. The show also stars Mckenna Grace, Tanner Hagen, Abby Ryder Fotson, and Paul Walter Hauser.
UTA has secured Maxwell Jenkins as a client across all divisions. The signing followed a fierce bidding war among top-tier talent agencies, with negotiations stretching over a week and a half. The intense interest was fueled by his upcoming role in the Netflix live-action series.
Jenkins is cast as Fred Jones, the leader of Mystery Inc., in the show developed by Josh Appelbaum and Scott Rosenberg. He joins a cast featuring Mckenna Grace, Tanner Hagen, Abby Ryder Fotson, and Paul Walter Hauser. The series is currently targeting a 2027 premiere.
The competitive signing may signal a growing industry focus on securing young talent for major franchise reboots. This could elevate Jenkins' career trajectory and draw additional attention to the upcoming Netflix series. For audiences, the casting choices might shape expectations for the classic characters, potentially influencing how the 2027 release is received. The extended lead time could also allow the production to build anticipation, though it may test viewer patience.