Yesterday was very eventful for the Riverdale TV pilot, as the potential series added four main cast members to its updated take on the Archie Comics characters… including Archie himself!
KJ Apa has been cast as Archie Andrews, who will be reimagined as a bit of a jock with a passion for creating music. Like his comic book counterpart, Archie is also unusually popular with several of the girls in his high school.
In one of the more surprising announcements, former teen idol and Beverly Hills 90210 star Luke Perry signed on to Riverdale to play Archieâs dad, Fred Andrews. In this incarnation, Fred owns a construction firm and he wants Archie to follow him into the family business.
Madelaine Petsch also joined the cast of Riverdale as Cheryl Blossom, âa manipulative mean girl who kills with kindness,” who “recently lost her twin brother in a mysterious accident.â In Archie Comics, Cheryl was often a rival to Betty and Veronica over Archieâs affections.
Finally, Ashleigh Murray was signed to play Josie of Josie and the Pussycats fame. Thatâs still the name of Josieâs band in this series, but sheâs described as âa gorgeous, snooty and ambitious girlâ who has âzero interest in recording any songs written by fellow teen Archie.â
Earlier this month, The Kings of Summer‘s Lili Reinhart was cast as Betty and The Suite Life of Zack and Cody‘s Cole Sprouse was chosen to portray Jughead. The roles of Veronica, Reggie, Kevin, and the other Archie Comics mainstays have not yet been filled.
What do you think about the newest additions to the Riverdale cast? Let us know in the comment section below!
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HT: Deadline
Image Credit: Rex/Shutterstock/Archie Comics