The CW's uniquely dark and intriguing take on the iconic "Archie Comics" in "Riverdale" definitely caught fans by surprise when the network released the first trailer for the upcoming drama. "90210" alum Luke Perry adds that the show also updates the usual high school drama formula for television.
Perry stars the father to KJ Apa's Archie Andrews in "Riverdale." Unlike the colorful pages of the comic books from which it is based, "Riverdale" clouds the titular town with a mysterious murder and a lot of secrets.
Speaking to TVLine, Perry reveals that he was initially hesitant to take on the role until his agent convinced him to read the script. "It's very 21st-century, they really updated it," Perry hints. "Not just with the iPhones and stuff, but with who kids are in their heart and in their head now. It's very different."
Perry adds that a lot of the things the kids do in "Riverdale" would not have been allowed to go on air back in the 90s when "Beverly Hills, 90210" was the it teen drama series.
Definitely, the series does not sugarcoat a lot of social issues teenagers go through these days. Instead it presents them through the main characters in "Riverdale," which also means that Betty, Veronica, Archie and Jughead will not appear like how you remember them from the comics.
Lili Reinhart's Betty is Adderall-dependent. Cole Sprouse's Jughead is a brooding, emo blogger. Camila Mendes' Veronica is struggling as she moves to Riverdale from New York. Apa's Archie is hiding a deep, dark secret about his past. Although the characters seem to have changed in terms of their personalities, the show promises to remain true to a lot of the elements of the original "Archie" series such as Betty and Veronica's rivalry.
Aside from Perry, "Riverdale" also brings back a 90s teen star in the form of "Sixteen Candles" actress Molly Ringwald. According to TVLine, Ringwald plays Archie's mother, Mary, who returns to Riverdale when her family needs her most. Not only does the character reconnect with her son and husband, she also reconnects with her high school gal pals just in time for the school's Homecoming Dance.
"Riverdale" premieres on Jan. 26 on The CW.