"Riverdale" has found its leading man. The CW pilot based on the Archie Comics has cast KJ Apa, an 18-year-old New Zealand-born actor, for the role of Archie, and Ashleigh Murray to play Josie, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Apa won the role following an extensive four-month search for Archie Andrews. He will costar alongside the already cast Cole Sprouse and Lili Reinhart, who will play Jughead Jones and Betty Cooper. "Riverdale" also added "Beverly Hills 90210" alum Luke Perry as Archie's father, Fred Andrews, according to Deadline.
Produced by Greg Berlanti, the Archie Comics adaptation will be set in present time and follows Archie, Betty, Veronica and their friends as they explore the surrealistic twists of small-town life, and the darkness and weirdness bubbling beneath Riverdale's wholesome façade.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Archie is an intense, conflicted high school sophomore. "After getting pumped up over the summer working construction, he is now juggling the interest of several girls and trying to balance his passion for writing and performing music against the wishes of his father and his football coach."
Josie is a snooty and ambitious girl who is the lead singer for popular band Josie and the Pussycats. She has zero interest in recording any songs written by Archie.
"Riverdale" has yet to cast the character of Veronica Lodge.
