There are mixed theories on the internet about The CW's upcoming series Riverdale , a twisted take on the iconic Archie comics that suggests life in the story's simple town isn't all that rosy. Many say its dark ambiguity gives off major Twin Peaks vibes, while the many secrets and mysteries brewing among this group of teenagers are reminiscent of Gossip Girl . The trailer previews steamy car sex, a gun, a bag of cash and a body floating in the river - Archie, you're not in the comics anymore. Needless to say, fans are eager to see how the show interprets and twists the infamous innocent love triangle between Veronica, Archie, and Betty. This is definitely going to be fun, and I have a feeling picking a prom date will be the least of Archie's concerns. Before the show drops some answers when it premieres on Thursday, January 26, Ross Butler, who plays Archie's nemesis Reggie on the show, is here to tease a few more people with a little insight.
First, Butler promises that viewers don't have to be familiar with the comics for the show to quickly become their latest guilty pleasure. "Absolutely not," he said on the red carpet. "While it retains the same characters and some of the same values, it's a completely new story," he said. "It redefined a lot of relationships. It was very popular and new." About those relationships, though...
Who doesn't love a good love triangle, and a CW love triangle at that? Comic book fans or not, viewers may be interested in seeing Betty (Lily Reinhart), Archie (KJ Apa) and Veronica (Camila Mendes) play the iconic The reincarnation of Love Network. Butler couldn't reveal too many spoilers, but he did say this: "I will say, there are still sparks flying."
You mean sparks? Given the nature of the show, the possibilities seem endless. Is blonde Betty really a bad girl? Will there be a threesome? Is it too far? Maybe not...
Butler also hinted that there will be an interesting dynamic between Betty and Veronica. "In the comics, their relationship changes with every iteration. Even though they've released a lot of material, this is something very new," he explained. "I think people who are familiar with the original comic will find it refreshing to see it. It will surprise them."
So are fans more likely to be Team Betty or Team Veronica? His answer may not be your first guess. "I'd say Team Beatles. You'll see," he said. "I think it all comes down to their choices and who they are as people and who [fans] will connect with. They're very different." Interesting, very interesting.
Longtime Archie fans need not worry. Butler said elements of the show are still true to the comics. "Even though it's dark, there's a lot of humor in it. We like to contrast the light with the dark," he said. He particularly enjoyed expressing this through his character Reggie. “I definitely had a lot of moments where I could be a little bit funnier and a little bit happier, so it balanced out the fact that it was getting really dark.”
You all are twisted and I already love it.
