Former Riverdale star KJ Apa is interested in making a cameo in Afterlife with Archie, the upcoming Disney+ series that will bring a zombie apocalypse to the familiar world of Archie Comics. Meanwhile, filmmaker Alfonso Gomez-Rejon (Me and Earl and the Dying Girl) has signed on to direct the first two episodes of the horror series, which is scheduled to premiere in time for Halloween 2027.
The live-action adaptation of Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Francesco Francavilla’s bestselling comic book series received an official series greenlight earlier this year.
KJ Apa Wants to Appear in Afterlife with Archie
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Apa, who played Archie Andrews throughout all seven seasons of Riverdale, revealed that he has already spoken with Aguirre-Sacasa about the upcoming series. The actor is excited to see a new cast take on the iconic characters, but he would also welcome an opportunity to join them.
“I spoke to Roberto, who was our showrunner for Riverdale, who’s also showrunning that show. And I’m really excited. I can’t wait to see who they cast as Archie and the gang. It’d be cool if we could do some cameos or something. I asked him! I would think that would be really fun if I could come in for a scene. I don’t know who I’d play, but it’d be fun to do. I know Roberto is really, really excited about it.”
Alfonso Gomez-Rejon to Direct the First Two Episodes
As reported by Deadline, Alfonso Gomez-Rejon has signed on to direct the pilot episode of Afterlife with Archie. He will also direct the second episode and serve as an executive producer on the episodes.
Gomez-Rejon is best known for directing the acclaimed coming-of-age film Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, as well as episodes of television projects including Hunters and American Horror Story: Coven. His film credits also include The Current War, starring Benedict Cumberbatch.
The series comes from Warner Bros. Television, with Aguirre-Sacasa and Jimmy Gibbons executive producing through Muckle Man Productions. Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, and Leigh London Redman are executive producers through Berlanti Productions, while Jon Goldwater represents Archie Comics Studios.
What Is Afterlife with Archie About?
Unlike the wholesome adventures traditionally associated with Archie Andrews, Betty Cooper, Veronica Lodge, and Jughead Jones, Afterlife with Archie takes the characters into much darker territory. The comic book series launched in 2013, its story beginning when a desperate attempt to bring a beloved pet back to life unleashes supernatural consequences that threaten the entire town of Riverdale.
The television adaptation will introduce its own version of that nightmare, with an official synopsis describing a supernatural spell gone wrong that unleashes an army of possessed dead upon the town. Archie and his friends must fight to survive, testing the friendships, romances, and loyalties that have always held them together.
Aguirre-Sacasa, who also created Riverdale and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, has described the project as especially meaningful to him because the comic helped pave the way for his later work with Archie Comics characters.
When Will Afterlife with Archie Premiere on Disney+?
Disney+ has scheduled Afterlife with Archie to premiere in time for Halloween 2027. With Gomez-Rejon attached to direct the first two episodes and the creative team continuing to develop the adaptation, the series is shaping up to be a major new entry in the Archie television universe. Apa’s comments also raise the possibility of a connection to the earlier Riverdale series, although no returning cast members have been officially confirmed.
Would you like to see KJ Apa make a cameo in Afterlife with Archie? And which other Riverdale stars would you like to see return? Let us know in the comments below.
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