Pop Culture References

> *"This "Schwarzeneggian" oaf almost destroyed us." - Scooby Brainiac referencing Arnold Schwarzenegger, Transformers*
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A **pop culture reference** is a recognizable thing or idea, either from the real world or from other media, being said outside of the proper context, usually for comedic effect. Many adaptations of The Potions Scene make reference to other things unrelated to the Scooby-Doo franchise.

## Transformers

* Scooby-Doo transforms into the Tasmanian Devil, a popular character from Looney Tunes. He still retains his old voice, but acts similar to Taz the character by spouting gibberish and spinning around in a tornado.
* When Shaggy transforms into Buff Shaggy, a clip of Michael Buffer saying "Let's get ready to rumble!" can be heard. This quote is famous for being at the start of boxing and wrestling events, which fits as Shaggy now has the body type of a pro wrestler.
	+ Along with this, the song Get Ready For This plays, which is one of the most frequently played songs at various sporting events, again referring to Buff Shaggy's jock nature.
* Scooby Brainiac calls Buff Shaggy a "Schwarzeneggian oaf", referencing the famous bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger.

### Debatable references

* The scene's title "Transformers" could be a reference to the *Transformers* toy line.
* A Pac-Man like shape can be seen on the bottom of the fridge. Due to the simplicity, it could just be a shape similar to his sprite.
* When Shaggy becomes Shaggy Chick, the music being played could be referencing Jessica Rabbit's theme from *Who Framed Rodger Rabbit?*
* Scooby Brainiac's Appearance could be a reference to Albert Einstein, known for having long white hair which would later become a trope for scientists in fiction.
* Buff Shaggy's abrasive persona could be seen as a parody of pro male wrestlers at the time.

## Chapter 11 (Shaggy)

* Using the filming equipment in Jonathan Jacobo's Lab, Shaggy green screens himself next to the Great Wall of China and the Eiffel Tower.
* Scooby-Doo transforms into Yao Ming, the professional basketball player. He doesn't act like him, however.
* Shaggy describes his Buff Shaggy form as a "regular Mr. America", with *Mr. America* being the name of a popular bodybuilding competition.

## Mutate Madness

### Debatable References

* Scooby Brainiac's appearance could be a reference to Jerry Lewis's character Professor Julius Kelp from *The Nutty Professor*. This character has since become a trope for other nerd stereotypes in fiction.
* Underwear Scooby has a head similar to Scooby Brainiac's from the movie, meaning if one considers his appearance as a reference to Albert Einstein, this transformation would be as well.

## In the Original Script

* Scooby-Doo transforms into Yao Ming, the professional basketball player. He doesn't act like him, however.
* The script describes Buff Shaggy as an "Incredible Hulk-like" version of Shaggy. The Incredible Hulk is a superhero who starts off a skinny man and becomes a huge muscular giant, similar to the transformation of Shaggy to Buff Shaggy.

## Trivia

* Some of the improper slang used in the scene could be considered pop culture, such as the word "freaking" or the word "groovy".