The 'Scooby-Doo Springtrapped' AI Voice Controversy Explained

The voice acting and animation community engaged in debate in August of 2023 over a viral Scooby-Doo and Five Nights At Freddy's animation made by YouTuber Eagan Tilghman. The intricate stop-motion animation gathered praise before some viewers noticed Tilghman's decision to use AI to voice certain actors in the video.

The original voice actor for Daphne in Scooby-Doo posted a scathing knee-jerk diatribe against the animator and was joined by veteran storyboard artist Jay Lender, leading many to question if a young not-for-profit animation deserves to be at the receiving end of such anti-AI sentiment. Here's a recap of the "Scooby-Doo Springtrapped" AI voice controversy.

What Was The Scooby Springtrapped Video?

YouTube channel Eagtab posted a stop motion animated video titled "Scooby Doo, Where Are You? In… SPRINGTRAPPED!" in August 2023. The video was meant to resemble the 1969 show Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! as well as elements from the popular horror game Five Nights At Freddy's. Throughout the animation, AI voices are used for four of the seven characters in order to make them sound authentic to the show, with Shaggy being voiced by an impersonator.

The video was initially well received by fellow animators impressed by Tilghman's ability to make a blender animation look like actual stop motion. Viewers also thought that the story and setup fit well into what an actual special episode of TV-friendly Scooby Doo might look like.

Why Was The Scooby Springtrapped Controversial?

After receiving generally favorable reviews on YouTube, Tilghman shared his animation to X, where users noted that several of the characters were voiced by AI. Despite commending the skill and authenticity of the video, X users warned against the use of AI voices and commented on how using AI voices takes jobs away from voice actors (examples shown below).

The video was even picked up by Jay Lender, a storyboard artist who has worked on shows like SpongeBob SquarePants and Phineas and Ferb. Lender shared a disparaging post that read, "This film uses AI-simulated voices of currently active talent. The inevitable result of this cheap tech will be over-exposure, killing their ability to make a living with their formerly unique instrument. Law must catch up NOW."

He even went so far as to tag the original voice actress for Daphne, and the showrunner of the new Velma series. This led to the voice actor for Daphne criticizing Tilghman as well.

How Did Tilghman React To The Controversy?

Tilghman updated the description of the YouTube video to express his remorse for using someone's voice without their permission, going on to add that as a young 23-year-old animator, he was trying to use the resources available to him to the best of his abilities.

Jay Lender expressed regret at sharing his critical post and deleted his initial tweet, going so far as to post a personal apology.

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For the full history of the "Scooby-Doo Springtrapped" AI voice controversy, be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry for more information.