James Gunn Reveals Warner Bros. Wouldn’t Let Him Make Velma Gay In His Scooby-Doo Movies

Director James Gunn confirmed on Twitter this week that Warner Bros. would not allow him to make Velma, played by Linda Cardellini in the films, “explicitly gay” in his live-action Scooby-Doo movies which combined to gross over $400 million worldwide.

“I tried! In 2001 Velma was explicitly gay in my initial script. But the studio just kept watering it down & watering it down, becoming ambiguous (the version shot), then nothing (the released version) & finally having a boyfriend (the sequel). 😐”

Gunn noted that some of the deleted scenes that were included in the original film’s 2002 home release more clearly hinted at Velma’s sexuality.

I tried! In 2001 Velma was explicitly gay in my initial script. But the studio just kept watering it down & watering it down, becoming ambiguous (the version shot), then nothing (the released version) & finally having a boyfriend (the sequel). 😐 https://t.co/Pxho6Ju1oQ

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) July 13, 2020