Who’s Playing What in The Archies on Netflix? Decoding the World of Zoya Akhtar’s Riverdale

At the Netflix TUDUM 2023 Event, many projects were announced and solidified into existence, including The Archies. Based on the comic of a similar name, Archie, this film is a Tiger Baby production. It is directed by Zoya Akhtar, who also joins as the writer along with Ayesha DeVitre, John L. Goldwater, Reema Kagti and Bob Montana. Akhtar is also the producer of this movie along with Sharad Devarajan, Kagti, Kartik Shah, Amit Rai, Andreas Habermeyer and Goldwater. It is shot by Nikos Andritsakis, while Poornamrita Singh designs the costumes.

However, the real stars of the show (no pun intended) are the cast members who will be bringing the iconic characters back to life in this new rendition of the story. At the same time, Riverdale is a chaste adaptation of the characters and the story. This movie tries to stick to the major details of the story giving the characters the fidelity they deserve from the comics.

The Archies Cast: Who Plays What?

Agastya Nanda as Archie Andrews

The Archies: Still 1
A still from the cast announcement

The man, the myth, the legend. He is the main character, the glue that holds this group together, whether it be because he has dated all the girls on this list or because he is known to be a casanova, pining for the affections of anyone who would give him a second glance. Seen as someone approachable yet cool, he also leads a band by the name of The Archies.

Khushi Kapoor as Betty Cooper

The Archies: Still 2
A still from the cast announcement

Even though she is hopelessly crushing on Archie Andrews, she is said to be the perfect domestic wife material in the comics. However, she has a long-standing rivalry with the lead keyboardist in the band, Veronica. Lead guitarist herself, she is also the good girl next door. Valuing friendship above all, she is the sweet girl working at her dad’s bookstore.

Suhana Khan as Veronica Lodge

The Archies: Still 3
A still from the cast announcement

A newcomer to Riverdale, this character has her own air about her. Richest in the town, she carries herself with a different grace and tenacity. Pursued by Archie Andrews, she always leaves him wanting more. While they do get married in one edition of the comics, their relationship is tumultuous. A keyboardist in the band, this movie doesn’t play into the big rivalry between the two female characters. Instead, it makes them the best of friends.

Vedang Raina as Reggie Mantle

The Archies: Still 4
A still from the cast announcement

A true stud in every sense, this character carries a narcissistic streak but in the most lovable way. However, all this bravado is just a facade to hide his true feelings. Although he has a secret crush on Veronica, he’s not going to will their connection into existence and instead look for it in other women. A jokester of the gang, he brings the much-needed humour to the tense group.

Mihir Ahuja as Jughead Jones

The Archies: Still 5
A still from the cast announcement

Known as the foodie of the band, this character makes his mark with the most interesting headwear, sometimes a beanie, other times an ascot cap, creating the perfect outfit. Serving as the drummer on Archie’s band, he also works at the local diner, Pop’s and is also an intelligent character, which most people miss out on. Probably because, in direct contrast to his best friend, he is incredibly afraid of women.

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Dot as Ethel Muggs

The Archies: Still 6
A still from the cast announcement

An up-and-coming hair stylist, taking Riverdale by storm, she is extremely ambitious about her future. Known to be sweet in this movie, she has a huge soft spot for Jughead, giving away all her food to him willingly. However, given the tragic ambivalence from Jughead, she decides to move away from that and focus on more important aspects of her life.

Yuvraj Menda as Dilton Doiley

The Archies: Still 7
A still from the cast announcement

The smartest person in the room (or anywhere, for that matter), this character’s intelligence is rivalled only by Jughead Jones, whose hidden talents are glossed over for this man’s incredible fashion taste. Serving as a reporter/radio jockey, this character harbours a secret that he cannot seem to come to terms with. However, with all the time he spends with the gang, it is only a point of time when the truth is revealed.

Watch The Archies Teaser

There are many aspects in this teaser that prove that the movie is bringing back the old-timey charm. With Pop’s Diner, the signature milkshakes with the high topped whipped cream, cherry and uniquely shaped glass, this town is less of a town and more of an anachronistic dreamland. The band is back together. However, The Archies look different this time. Maybe they all quit because of a major scandal, and the trusty gang has to join in saving their friend from an abysmal situation.

Moreover, since the movie is based in the 50s and 60s, the hairstyles and dresses reflect that era. Veronica Lodge’s poofed-up hair with a hairband is a tell-tale sign that she has enough resources to style her hair to perfection. Jughead’s cap is back, ladies and gentlemen, not in the way we want, but definitely in the way it is needed. Even with a school uniform, he manages to rock that hat. The teaser also gives us a great look at each character’s defining qualities, including Veronica’s coyness, Jughead’s appetite and Archie’s dilemmas.

The Archies will be coming soon to Netflix. Are you excited to see the Indian rendition of this popular story? Let us know in the comments below.

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Nupur Bosmiya
Nupur Bosmiya
Nupur Bosmiya is a voracious consumer of culture. If they are not raving about the social implications of a film or a TV show, they are probably reading something and has forgotten the concepts of time and space. Hoping to pursue Arts Journalism in the future, they hope to make art accessible for all.

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