Riverdale Paley Center Panel! Meeting KJ Apa! Camila Mendes! Lili Reinhart! Luke Perry! Cole Sprouse! And More!

Riverdale is the new CW series based on the Archie Comics characters. It’s a subversive look at the classic comics and one of my favorite guilty pleasures this season.

The cast got together at the Paley Center in Beverly Hills for a rare q and a and screening.

At the event were:

KJ Apa, ”Archie Andrews”

Lili Reinhart, ”Betty Cooper”

Camila Mendes, ”Veronica Lodge”

Madelaine Petsch, ”Cheryl Blossom”

Marisol Nichols, ”Hermione Lodge”

Mӓdchen Amick, ”Alice Cooper”

Luke Perry, ”Fred Andrews”

Casey Cott, “Kevin Keller”

Ashleigh Murray, ”Josie McCoy”

Cole Sprouse, “Jughead Jones”

Sarah Schechter, Executive Producer

Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, Executive Producer

Jon Goldwater, Executive Producer

It was a great panel and I have to say for having so many participants everyone got a chance to speak and talk about the series which was nice.

“The work that these guys have done has reinvigorated the brand. It’s done in a darker way but stays true to the characters.” Said Jon Goldwater, “I set a high bar at Archie, every “i” is dotted but these guys have jumped over that bar.”

Talk turned to a Josie spinoff and Ashleigh Murray said, “I’d love to, but I would love to be thrown around in Riverdale a lot more before she does her own thing.”

“I think this is changing network television, they embrace breaking the mold and doing something different and not just checking the box.” Mentioned Mӓdchen Amick, “So, I’ve said this before, I’ve been blessed to be on Twin Peaks and to have this now in my career is amazing.”

The characters and their parents have a great dynamic on the series. “We got lucky, for me I’ve had the pleasure of working with so many actors and the first time I sat down with KJ it was just good. We could have shot the series right there.” Laughed Luke Perry.

The panel did discuss the issue of diversity on the panel. “I’ve got a wonderfully positive reaction across the board. Everyone has been so kind. We’ve had fun doing it too.” Said Casey Cott.

The classic characters of Betty, Veronica and Archie were given a makeover for the series. “I love playing a character who evolves and that who can show so many different sides to them. My favorite thing is that she’s constantly changing, there’s no finish line.” Said Lili Reinhart.

After the panel the usual rush to the stage happened.

I was lucky enough to get the cast to sign two posters as well as get Casey Cott and Madelaine Putsch to finish the Wondercon poster from the signing.

I barely managed to get Luke Perry but he did sign my Buffy The Vampire Slayer poster which made me happy.

The cast was very nice and kind stopping to sign for everyone. I ran out before the cast which is super rare!

Until next time kids…