The CW's take on Archie Comics, via the upcoming drama series "Riverdale," is already making waves. The show won't be on air until the mid-season schedule but viewers are looking forward to watching it unveil.
"Riverdale" spins a different take on iconic characters like Archie, Jughead, Betty and Veronica. The show might have a light and amusing theme, but underneath that "Riverdale" is actually a teen drama with shades of murder mystery, intrigue and suspense.
'Riverdale' Teaser, Cast Photos
"Riverdale" is led by KJ Apa (Archie Andrews), Cole Sprouse (Jughead Jones), Lili Reinhart (Betty Cooper) and Camila Mendes (Veronica Lodge). Images of the cast were recently released on the comic series' official Twitter Archie Comics for the promo. The cast also gamely post for photos at the recent Comic Con event in San Diego.
Get ready for #Riverdale.
Coming 2017. pic.twitter.com/EwdWoHr90N— Archie Comics (@ArchieComics) July 25, 2016
Cole Sprouse, Kj Apa,Lili, Camila, Madelaine & Luke Perry, cast portraits for @ShutterstockNow #Riverdale #SDCC pic.twitter.com/y8A3MYYynp — María Spain (@am_Chach) July 23, 2016
These youngsters are supported by seasoned adult actors like Luke Perry, Madchen E. Amick and Sarah Habel. Comic Book has an additional photo featuring Archie (Apa) with his dad (Perry), and both looked a lot somber, while a police car is in the background.
First promotional episode picture. #Riverdale @kj_apa #LukePerry pic.twitter.com/ejMEIQGymC
— Riverdale (@RiverdaleWorld) July 21, 2016
'Riverdale' Cast Spill Show Details
"Riverdale" will have a narration, which will be told from the point of view of Cole Sprouse's Jughead. "We're giving the fans something new and unique that's fundamentally similar to the way they once were, but with a cool film noir tweak," the actor said, vial Comics Alliance.
However, Lili Reinhart (Betty) explains that the show still has some comedic elements despite being promoted as a suspense drama. "It's very quippy and smart, but the main focus is this brooding murder mystery," said Reinhart. KJ Apa (Archie) agrees with his co-star, adding that like the comics, "Riverdale" has some funny moments and remains true to its elements. Only it is a darker version of "Archie."
Perhaps the one thing that differentiates the show from the comics is that on "Riverdale," Camila Mendes' Veronica is the new girl in town. The rich kid isn't the queen bee. She's still making her way around her new environment and learning to be friends with new people.
The cast also said that there is no Betty and Veronica rivalry just yet. "We can't fulfill the fantasy of being full-on rivals because there is friendship there between them," said Reinhart.
Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, who created "Riverdale" with Greg Berlanti, stated that the show's first season is really all about finding out what happened to the kid who was kidnapped. "We're going to follow all the twists and turns of that but of course it's 'Archie,' it's 'Riverdale,' it's the CW," Aguirre-Sacasa said, per Variety. The producers also assure viewers the mystery will be solved when the season is over.
"Riverdale" Season 1 on The CW begins airing in the mid-season. The show was originally developed for Fox by Warner Bros. and Berlanti Productions before shifting to The CW.
