Mike Myers’ Unmade Scooby-Doo: The Role He Still Misses

Mike Myers has never been known for churning out films at a rapid pace. His approach to choosing roles has always been rather careful, sometimes to his own detriment. While his work on Wayne’s World and So I Married an Axe Murderer was driven by genuine enthusiasm, both productions were marred by various complications, many of which he inadvertently contributed to. The Austin Powers series, on the other hand, managed to avoid such pitfalls. Yet, not all of his ventures were so fortunate. The Cat in the Hat did little to bolster his standing, and The Love Guru nearly undid it altogether.

Between 1993 and 2008, setting aside his most famous franchises, Myers appeared in just seven films. Much of his time was spent developing projects that never reached the screen. Among these were a feature-length Dieter spin-off from Saturday Night Live, a biopic about Keith Moon, a new version of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (which eventually went to Ben Stiller), an early take on Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, and even a shot at playing Inspector Clouseau in a Pink Panther reboot, a part that ultimately went to Steve Martin.

Shaggy: The Dream That Got Away

Of all the projects that slipped through his grasp, none was closer to Myers’ heart than a live-action adaptation of Scooby-Doo. In the summer of 1998, it was announced that he would take on the role of Shaggy and co-write the script with Jay Kogan. This was more than just another job for him; it was a childhood ambition.

“I don’t know what’s happening on Scooby-Doo,”

he told Kathryn Jenson White.

“I’m waiting on a script. I was interested and still am, but it’s all script, script, script. I loved Scooby-Doo as a kid. It was the comfort food of my childhood. I loved dogs. I thought Shaggy would be interesting if he were this kind of politically correct guy. It’s a hippie update.”

Myers was eager to bring his own sensibility to the character, imagining a version of Shaggy that reflected a more modern, perhaps more thoughtful, take on the classic cartoon figure. He saw the project as a chance to blend nostalgia with his unique comedic style.

When the Script Slipped Away

Despite his enthusiasm, the project took a different turn once Raja Gosnell was brought in to direct. Myers found himself edged out, and the role of Shaggy went to Matthew Lillard. Lillard has since become synonymous with the character, voicing Shaggy across television, streaming, and video games for over two decades.

Had Myers remained attached, the film might have leaned more heavily on his particular brand of humour. The version that eventually reached audiences in 2002, penned by James Gunn, was more of an ensemble piece. It’s unlikely the studio would have cast Myers in a supporting role, given his status at the time. The final product has since gained a devoted following, but there’s no telling whether Myers’ involvement would have changed its fate for better or worse.

Unrealised Ambitions

In the end, Myers’ deep affection for Scooby-Doo was not enough to see his vision realised. The project never even made it to the starting line for him, let alone the finish. His regret over missing out on this particular role lingers, a reminder of how even the most cherished dreams can sometimes remain just out of reach.