New “Scooby-Doo” film portrays Velma as member of LGBTQ+ neighborhood

For the primary time, “Scooby-Doo’s” Velma Dinkley is formally being portrayed as a member of the LGBTQ+ neighborhood. The iconic character, identified for her witty intelligence and catchphrase “Jinkies!,” is proven crushing on one other feminine character in a scene from the franchise’s newest film, “Trick or Treat Scooby-Doo!”

In a scene from the brand new HBO Max Halloween-themed film — which was launched Tuesday for lease or buy on Amazon Prime Video — the gang meets costume designer Coco Diablo, who’s voiced by actor Kate Micucci. 

Velma shortly loses her practice of thought when she sees Coco, noticing the brand new character’s “superb turtleneck,” “unbelievable glasses,” “sensible” thoughts and love for animals. Velma then says “Jinkies!” whereas her cheeks blush and her glasses fog up.

In one other scene, Velma admits to Daphne that she’s “crushing laborious” on Coco.

People have speculated over Velma’s sexuality prior to now, however she has not been portrayed as outwardly queer till now. In the previous, producers and writers on the franchise have indicated that the character just isn’t straight.

In 2020, “Scooby Doo! Mystery Incorporated” producer Tony Cervone posted about Velma’s sexuality in a publish for Pride Month. 

“I clearly do not signify each model of Velma Dinkley, however I’m one of many key those that represents this one. We made our intentions as clear as we may ten years in the past,” Cervone wrote. “Most of our followers received it. To those who did not, I counsel you look nearer. There’s no new information right here.”