diff --git a/common/djangoapps/static_replace/__init__.py b/common/djangoapps/static_replace/__init__.py
index bf27f5b38d..d41688530e 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/static_replace/__init__.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/static_replace/__init__.py
@@ -77,9 +77,13 @@ def replace_static_urls(text, data_directory, course_namespace=None):
         # course_namespace is not None, then use studio style urls
         if course_namespace is not None and not isinstance(modulestore(), XMLModuleStore):
             url = StaticContent.convert_legacy_static_url(rest, course_namespace)
+        # In debug mode, if we can find the url as is,
+        elif settings.DEBUG and finders.find(rest, True):
+            return original
         # Otherwise, look the file up in staticfiles_storage, and append the data directory if needed
         else:
             course_path = "/".join((data_directory, rest))
+
             try:
                 if staticfiles_storage.exists(rest):
                     url = staticfiles_storage.url(rest)