It was announced last year that Archie Andrews and his friends, the comic book teens originally created by Bob Montana in the pages of “Pep Comics,” are headed to the big screen with a feature film based on the characters’ 73-year history. Today, however, Deadline reveals that a television version is now on the way to FOX. Titled “Riverdale,” the series is said to explore the “the darkness and weirdness bubbling beneath Riverdales wholesome façade”.
Likely replacing plans for a feature version, “Riverdale” is being scripted by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa. Initially announced to script the film version, Aguirre-Sacasa is currently the CCO of Archie Comics and is well-known for his horror-inspired series “Afterlife with Archie” which pits the Riverdale gang up against the undead.
In addition to the full cast of Archie regulars like Betty, Veronica and Jughead, plans call for visits from other Archie Comics titles with a specific note that Josie and the Pussycats will appear.
Said to be a contemporary series, “Riverdale” is currently in the scripting stage with Warner Bros. TV producing alongside Berlanti Productions, the same company responsible for “Arrow,” “The Flash” and the upcoming “Supergirl.” Aguirre-Sacasa is executive producing Berlanti, Sarah Schechter and Archie Comics CEO Jon Goldwater.
