Riverdale KJ Apa Archie Cole Sprouse Jughead Feature

The CW has become well known in recent years for its programming inspired by comic books. Not only does the network feature four shows adapting characters from the DC superhero mythos, but series such as iZombie and the upcoming Riverdale draw on comic source material as well. In the case of the latter, Riverdale features characters from the classic Archie Comics, including the titular protagonist himself, though the series executive produced by Greg Berlanti (The Flash, Supergirl) will put a new spin on the small town residents fans grew up with.

Although Riverdale was initially ordered to pilot by The CW in January of this year, and picked up to series by the network in the spring, the show won't debut until the midseason in late January 2017. That said, production resumed in early September and a recent casting report indicates Riverdale will be welcoming a new face during season 1.

THR is reporting Riverdale has cast '80s Brat Pack member Molly Ringwald (The Breakfast Club, Jem and the Holograms) as Mary Andrews, the mother of the series' protagonist Archie Andrews (K.J. Apa). Ringwald will appear in episodes 10 and 11 of season 1 as Mary returns to town after leaving two years prior to follow her dreams. She returns in "her family's hour of need," reconnecting with Archie, her husband Fred (Beverly Hills 90210's Luke Perry), as well as her high school friends just in time for the homecoming dance.

Riverdale KJ Apa Luke Perry Molly Ringwald 2

In addition to Archie and the Andrews family, Riverdale will feature live-action iterations of many of classic characters including Archie's fellow high school students Jughead Jones (Cole Sprouse), Betty Cooper (Lili Reinhart), Veronica Lodge (Camila Mendes), Cheryl Blossom (Madelaine Petsch), Josie McCoy (Ashleigh Murray), and Reggie Mantle (Ross Butler). Mary's high school friends, Hermione Lodge (Marisol Nichols) and Alice Cooper (Mädchen Amick) -- the mothers of Veronica and Betty, respectively -- will appear as well.

Still, while many familiar names will populate the town of Riverdale in The CW's new take on Archie Comics' characters, the series is expected to differ greatly from the original comics -- which has been reinforced by the show's synopsis and the recently released first teaser. That said, Riverdale was developed by Archie Comics' chief creative officer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, who additionally penned the pilot script, so the series will undoubtedly still honor the property on which it's based. Of course, how the classic characters fit into a live-action series that has been compared to Twin Peaks remains to be seen when Riverdale premieres next month.

Next: Skeet Ulrich Joins The Cast of Riverdale

Riverdale premieres Thursday January 26th, 2017 @9pm on The CW.

Source: THR