The title "The Vampire Strikes Back" is a parody of Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980), whose star Mark Hamill has provided voices for characters in this series and numerous other Scoobyverse projects. Writer Jordana Arkin chose this title as a treat for her husband, who loves Star Wars.
Wrenchfield is based on Renfield, Count Dracula's slimy, sniveling errand-runner, particular Dwight Frye's performance in Dracula (1931). He has some characteristics in common with Peter Lorre, a more prominent horror actor with whom Frye was often confused.
Owen DeCassle's appearance is a caricature of Vincent Price, who starred in The 13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo (1985). Some of his mannerisms are based on another Price-voiced character - Professor Ratigan in Disney's The Great Mouse Detective (1986).
First TV episode to feature The Hex Girls, who appeared in the direct-to-video movies Scooby-Doo and the Witch's Ghost (1999) and Scooby-Doo and the Legend of the Vampire (2003).