Netflix India has announced the start of production on Zoya Akhtar's The Archies, an upcoming musical drama based on characters from Archie Comics, and has revealed the young cast who are set to play the Indian versions of Archie, Jughead, Betty, Veronica, and more.
The cast will feature newcomers Dot., Agastya Nanda, Khushi Kapoor, Mihir Ahuja, Suhana Khan, Vedang Raina, and Yuvraj Menda.
Akhtar is one of India's most critically and commercially successful directors, having helmed the dramas Luck By Chance, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Dil Dhadakne Do, and Gully Boy - which was also India's official entry to the 92nd Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film in 2019. With her attached as director and co-writer alongside frequent collaborator Reema Kagti, The Archies should be among the more high-profile international titles for the streamer next year.
It will mark the first major film role for several of these young actors, including the much-buzzed-about debut of Suhana Khan, the daughter of Bollywood's grandest megastar Shah Rukh Khan, who is widely regarded as the world's biggest movie star. Following the announcement, her father was quick to send some heartfelt well-wishes, saying,
"And remember @suhanakhan2 you are never going to be perfect….but being yourself is the closest to that. Be kind and giving as an actor….the brickbats and applause is not yours to keep….the part of you that gets left behind on screen will always belong to you….u have come a long way baby….but the road to peoples heart is unending…..stride forth and make as many smile as you can. Now let there be Light….Camera and Action!
Signed Another Actor."
No release date has been set, but it's expected to launch on the streamer worldwide in 2023.
Check out the cast announcement video below: