Mindy Kaling Speaks Out on ‘Scooby-Doo’ Fans Upset Over Velma’s South Asian Identity

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In a recent interview, Mindy Kaling, the voice behind Velma in an upcoming Scooby-Doo spinoff, addressed the backlash from some fans regarding the character’s reimagining as South Asian. The project, announced by HBO, focuses on Velma’s origin story and features Kaling as both voice actress and producer. Initially, Kaling received positive feedback from fans, but the reaction shifted when it was revealed that Velma would be portrayed as South Asian.

Support and Backlash

On “Late Night With Seth Meyers,” Kaling shared, “When it was announced that I was going to do the voice of Velma, people were very supportive and happy on Twitter… I felt great.” However, the tone changed after the announcement of Velma’s new identity. Kaling remarked on the intense loyalty of the Scooby-Doo fandom, stating, “These are really intense fans… especially for a legacy show like this.”

She noted that the response to Velma’s new portrayal included many comments expressing dissatisfaction, with fans claiming, “So not Velma!” Kaling expressed her surprise at the strong reactions, saying, “I didn’t know that she elicited such strong reactions in either direction.” She emphasized that Velma is a smart, nerdy character, and questioned why people struggled to envision her as Indian. “Like, there are Indian nerds,” she pointed out, reinforcing that diversity should be embraced.

Comparison to Other Casting Backlashes

This situation echoes the backlash faced by Halle Bailey when she was cast as Ariel in the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, where many reacted negatively to a non-white representation of the character. Kaling remains hopeful, noting that the negative comments only represent “a small percentage of people.” As we move forward, it’s essential to see a wide range of characters reflecting diverse backgrounds and identities.

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Conclusion

In summary, Mindy Kaling’s portrayal of Velma as South Asian has sparked a mix of excitement and discontent among fans. While some resist change, Kaling advocates for broader representation, highlighting the importance of diverse characters in media.