Today marks 23 years since Scooby-Doo hit US theaters, making it an ideal occasion to relive the original R-rated concept by James Gunn, which includes a cut scene even more chilling than any moment in the film itself.
Absolutely! You’re referring to the classic Scooby-Doo episode where love blossoms for Shaggy with a gal named Mary Jane (due to her being his favorite name), and an amusing twist occurs when Fred and Daphne exchange bodies. And let’s not forget the hilarious moment when Scooby, disguised as a grandmother, throws a punch!
Surprisingly, although it’s a family comedy rated PG, this movie has gained cult status – and rightfully so. To begin with, the cast is superb. Matthew Lillard perfectly embodies Shaggy, Linda Cardellini steals the show as Velma, and Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr. make an ideal Daphne and Fred.
Beyond that, the film boasts an appealing soundtrack, plenty of clever one-liners, and a unique blend of chaotic, campy energy reminiscent of early 2000s, which is hard to find nowadays. However, underneath its Scooby Snacks and bathroom humor, there’s another layer to this movie – a layer that director James Gunn, who wrote the script, has openly discussed.
Scooby Doo’s locker room demon scene is pure nightmare fuel
The R-rated edit was more explicit, gloomier, and definitely not suitable for children. The majority of it remained unseen, but a single cut scene gained praise on the internet (and found its way onto the DVD release of the PG-13 rated Scooby Doo).
In the discussed locker room scene, Velma is donned in a suggestive swimsuit, yet what really intensifies the fear is the eerie atmosphere reminiscent of horror movies. The tension begins when Daphne enters and notices that Velma seems out of character.
Because she’s under some sort of supernatural influence, not herself – she has been taken over. When Daphne questions about the “strange beings”, the ambiance noticeably darkens. Velma gradually turns around, adjusts her neck to one side, and emits a chilling Linda Blair-like shriek, hinting at a demonic possession.
The entire situation unfolds with a chilling horror moment intertwined within a laugh-out-loud comedy, which might be the reason for its exclusion from the final version. It seems that the initial release was deemed too mature by traditional viewers, leading to numerous scenes and jokes being removed. However, supporters of the Scooby-Doo series strongly believe this decision is unfortunate or unjust.
Back in 2009, someone on Film Boards commented that the movie’s test audience ought to be penalized. They found the locker room scene extraordinary, while Linda’s acting was chillingly accurate.
Hello! The film was designed for those who were teens or adults when the series originally aired. So, it’s not surprising that a few attendees wore casual swimsuits briefly, is it?
As a fellow enthusiast, let me share that I couldn’t help but find myself chuckling uncontrollably when I stumbled upon this particular scene in the DVD extras. My companions and I were absolutely tickled by it!
What’s happening now might seem amusing, but it’s not a single incident. The event in the locker room, often called the “demon moment,” is merely one instance of what’s known today as the “Gunn Cut.
What was the Gunn Cut of Scooby-Doo?
James Gunn revealed that his initial script for Scooby-Doo was intended for mature audiences (rated R). In this adaptation, Velma was openly gay, Fred had a bisexual leaning and exhibited narcissistic traits, while Shaggy’s cannabis-related behaviors were not subtle suggestions but the main source of humor.
At some stage, a kiss scene involving Velma and Daphne (under possession) was filmed, and Gunn mentioned that studio executives even altered the cleavage digitally during post-production to make the scene more suitable for a wider audience, with a focus on families.
The final version shown on screens was a toned-down, family-friendly edit, created following the unfavorable response from test viewers towards the explicit content.
Despite the reduced level of mayhem, the movie we eventually received stands out as an undeniable classic. It’s hilarious, over-the-top, and filled with lines that are still being quoted today. Remarkably, it remains compelling in 2025 – not just as a sentimental journey, but as a unique live-action cartoon adaptation that wholeheartedly embraces its genre. Credit for this goes to Gunn’s script, even in its pared-down version.
Will we ever see the full R-rated cut?
To put it simply, there’s been a significant surge in interest for The Gunn Cut lately, particularly with the success of “re-release” campaigns such as the Snyder Cut. As one Reddit user puts it, “We need a re-release to match how James Gunn originally envisioned the movie.
As of now, we haven’t received any formal confirmation about the release of the R-rated version of Scooby-Doo. Given director James Gunn’s statement that some footage was destroyed and what’s left might not be suitable for use, it seems unlikely that we’ll see this project in its entirety.
Even though these deleted scenes that occasionally surface online may not be part of the final version, they offer a peek into what might have captivated or amused an entire generation of teenagers.
In the spirit of our shared enthusiasm for Scooby-Doo, let me share a fun thought: Whenever you find yourself revisiting the series and notice Scoob’s oversized CGI tongue, remember this—in an alternate universe, there might exist a version of this show where Velma displays powers reminiscent of The Exorcist! And as for Shaggy, well, he may just be more knowledgeable than we think about certain dates like 4/20.
Zoinks, indeed.
Right now, you can stream everyone’s favorite mystery-solving dog, Scooby-Doo, over on Max. Additionally, here are some other exciting options: Discover the latest movies hitting streaming services this month, get a glimpse of the standout films from 2025 thus far, and explore the top video game adaptations available.
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2025-06-13 19:19