KJ Apa wasn’t too familiar with the Archie Comics before coming onto Riverdale. The larger than life comic series has been in production since 1939 with spinoffs featuring Archie’s companions. Once he got confirmation he dove into research and fell in love with the classic story.
We got a chance to talk with KJ Apa, who plays Archie Andrews, at San Diego Comic Con about the high schooler’s friendships, romances, and the first season of Riverdale!
One dynamic in particular that he loves is Archie’s friendship with Cole Sprouse’s character Jughead. “That’s a really unique friendship that we have there. In the first episode we don’t really see them talking too much because something’s happened between them. But I do love it, the dynamic we have.” And it will continue to grow as Jughead explores the mystery surrounding the disappearance of a young man close to them.
Another key aspect of the Archie storyline is the Archie/Betty/Veronica love triangle. It’s “timeless” and something that will continue to live on in Riverdale in conjunction with the mystery that has befallen the town.
“He’s always going to choose one. And at the end of the season Archie does make up his mind. It probably won’t last.”
To learn more about KJ Apa dying his hair, the mysterious disappearance of Jason Blossom, and his relationship with someone unexpected, check out the full interview below!
Riverdale premieres in 2017 on The CW.