More than six months since the announcement that a live-action version of the beloved Archie comics would be adapted for the CW, Riverdale has cast two of its major players, Jughead and Betty.
In a press release sent to Tech Times, Archie Comics confirmed that former Disney Channel actor Cole Sprouse, best known for his role as Cody in the children's television show The Suite Life of Zach and Cody, in which he co-starred alongside his twin brother Dylan, will portray quintessential slacker and Archie confidant Jughead Jones. Perennial blonde and girl-next-door Betty Cooper will be played by Lili Reinhart, whose previous credits include Surviving Jack and the indie flick The Kings of Summer.
So, what exactly will the CW's Riverdale look like, and how redolent will the characters that most of America grew up with be to their original comic versions? You can decide for yourself — here's the official synopsis of the CW's Archie TV show adaptation:
"The live-action series offers 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. The show will focus on the eternal love triangle of Archie Andrews, girl-next-door Betty Cooper, and rich socialite Veronica Lodge, and will include the entire cast of characters from the comic books — including Archie's rival, Reggie Mantle, and his slacker best friend, Jughead Jones."
As of now, the other two leads — the titular Archie Andrews and rich girl Veronica Lodge — have yet to be cast.
The CW's take on the Archie-verse marks its fifth foray into the world of comic book adaptations within the last five years, which include the companion shows Arrow, The Flash and newcomer Legends of Tomorrow, as well as the zombie comedy/police procedural iZombie. While Riverdale seems like it'll be securely grounded in realism in comparison to its predecessors, it indicates that the network has made a name for itself as the comic book adaptation HQ to beat.
As of now, Riverdale is scheduled to make its debut in 2016.
