Universal Pictures has set its sights on Archie, with Spider-Verse producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller leading the charge on a big-screen adaptation of the iconic comics.

The untitled film will be written by Eisner Award–winning comic author Tom King (Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow), who is making a push into screenwriting. While plot details remain under wraps, the project promises to bring Archie, Veronica, Betty, Jughead, and the rest of Riverdale to a new generation of fans.

Lord and Miller said in a statement:

“We are longtime fans of Archie, Veronica, Betty and the gang in all of their iterations. When we heard Tom King’s take on the classic material, we instantly thought it made sense as an event movie for all audiences — both lifelong fans and a whole new generation. We’re so excited to bring these beloved characters to the big screen.”

Emma Watts is producing the film alongside Archie Comics CEO Jon Goldwater and Lord Miller president Aditya Sood. Universal’s Britt Hennemuth and Christine Sun will oversee.

Archie’s Legacy

Debuting in Pep Comics No. 22 in 1941, the Archie characters have become synonymous with small-town Americana, with over three billion comics sold worldwide. While never competing directly with Marvel or DC in sales, Archie has remained a cultural fixture — boosted in recent years by the success of The CW’s Riverdale.

Fancast Time: Who Plays Who?

With the movie now officially in development, the big question is: who should step into these timeless roles?

  • Archie Andrews – the clean-cut, sometimes awkward everyman. Do you go with a rising redheaded star, or a familiar face like Stranger Things’ Caleb McLaughlin in a bold reinterpretation?
  • Betty Cooper – the girl-next-door with smarts and heart. Someone like Outer Banks’ Madelyn Cline could shine here.
  • Veronica Lodge – glamorous, sharp, and a little spoiled. Sydney Sweeney? Or perhaps a fresh newcomer to steal the spotlight.
  • Jughead Jones – the sarcastic outsider with a crown beanie. Finn Wolfhard feels like a natural fit, but the role could also launch an unknown.

With Lord and Miller involved, expect casting that feels both unexpected and inspired.