Archie, Jughead, Betty, Veronica & the rest of the gang from Riverdale have been in the funnybooks for 75 years. But characters from Archie Comics also have a very rich television history — a memorable cartoon starring Archie and friends, another starring Josie and the Pussycats; a live-action hit concerning Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and more.
Now, even as the Archie Comics line has been undergoing a modern refresh by writers Mark Waid, Chip Zdarsky and a team of talented artists (including Fiona Staples, Erica Henderson, and Veronica Fish), there’s another modern take on Archie’s characters heading for a pilot on The CW. The one-hour drama is to be written by Archie Comics Chief Creative Officer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (also behind comics including Afterlife with Archie, and a writer on television shows including ‘Glee’). And it seems some of the stars are a pleasant blast from television’s past.
Most of the casting include relative new comers. In the archetypal role of American teen Archie is New Zealand soap star KJ Apa of Shortland Street. Josie (as in “and the Pussycats”) McCoy will be portrayed by Ashleigh Murray. Cole Sprouse (Big Daddy) has been tapped for the role of Jughead Jones. Lili Reinhart will play Betty Cooper; Camila Mendes will be her frenemy Veronica Lodge. Madelaine Petsch will play Cheryl Blossom.
Perhaps most exciting to olds everywhere, Luke Perry (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) is due to play Archie’s dad, Fred Andrews, and, according to Deadline, former Twin Peaks and Witches of East End star Mädchen Amick will be Alice Cooper (Betty’s mother, not the shock rocker).
The series is being pitched as “a bold, subversive take on Archie, Betty, Veronica, and their friends, exploring small-town life and the darkness and weirdness bubbling beneath Riverdale’s wholesome facade.”
More casting news is sure to come, as the company has revealed Kevin Keller and Archie’s rival Reggie Mantle will appear in the series as well.
Images: Archie Comics
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