While I'm actually a little surprised that Archie wasn't already made into a live-action television show, considering it's been around since 1939, I am slightly confused by what Fox means when they describe their vision for one. According to Deadline, Fox is working on a live-action Archie television show, which will be a drama that's "a bold, subversive take on Archie, Betty, Veronica and their friends, exploring the surreality of small-town life — the darkness and weirdness bubbling beneath Riverdale’s wholesome façade."
I mean, I know Archie technically died that one time, but how dark can a show about Archie really get?
The press release, which reveals the name of the show will simply be Riverdale , offers a little more in the way of description:
Set in the present in the small fictional town of Riverdale, New York. The show will focus on the eternal love triangle of Archie Andrews, girl-next-door Betty Cooper, and rich socialite Veronica Lodge, and will include the entire cast of characters from the comic books—including Archie’s rival, Reggie Mantle, and his slacker best friend, Jughead Jones. Popular gay character Kevin Keller will also play a pivotal role. In addition to the core cast, “Riverdale” will introduce other characters from Archie Comics’ expansive library, including Josie and the Pussycats.
On one hand, this actually sounds like it could be very cool: As Vulture points out, the idea could take on "anything from Desperate Housewives to Blue Velvet," but, personally, I'm hoping for a more Twin Peaks-esque feel, if possible. On the other hand, though, the Archie comics were often humorous and focused on a love-triangle, so how dark and weird could it really get?
The series is being produced by Everwood's Greg Berlanti, and is being written by Archie comics Chief Creative Officer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa.
Image: Archie Comics
