* A new trailer for Season 2 gave fans a glimpse of Archies anger and fear following Freds diner shooting, with Pop ominously calling the shooter the Angel of Death and a devilish Cheryl taunting her mom Penelope, whos lying in a hospital bed, her face covered in bandages:
* Were going to find out Freds ultimate fate at the end of the [Season 2] premiere, executive producer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa previewed. The first episode is Archie, the gang, all of the town, waiting to find out whats going to happen with Fred. Whatever the fallout, it will reveal a completely different side to Archie that we havent really seen yet, KJ Apa shared. Meanwhile, Veronica is challenged to step up and be a strong girlfriend, possibly for the first time in her life, Camila Mendes said.
* Newly minted Southside Serpent Jughead is placed in the middle of two worlds that are starting to collide and erupt, Cole Sprouse described. Its going to start forcing him to pick a side, which is a dangerous place for him to be in because hes a very morally grey character. But just because hes in the gang, I dont think its going to be as easy as he assumes, the actor added. I think he has an idea of fitting in, and he thinks hes quite a special snowflake and hell stand out. But at Southside High, standing out can be physically threatening.
* Sprouse noted that his character is now very much the outsider in Season 2 and physically away from much of the cast but not his girlfriend Betty. However, that relationship will definitely be tested. For Betty, having her beau in the Southside Serpents is very scary, Lili Reinhart described. She doesnt want to lose her man, and also doesnt want him to get into any danger. When Sprouse said he wants Betty to ride or die, Reinhart hinted that there might be a pink leather jacket in the future.
* We explore that darkness [in Betty] a lot more in Season 2 and coming to terms with it, rather than trying to cover it with a black wig, Reinhart shared. The cheerleader will even loosen her ponytail a little more, Aguirre-Sacasa revealed. As for whom Betty will be leaning on in difficult times boyfriend Jughead or pal Archie she finds a different comfort in every single one of [the characters], Reinhart replied. But you definitely see more of Betty and Archies friendship and support system.
* Another potential threat to Bughead (and more ships): Vanessa Morgan (The Shannara Chronicles) will play Toni Topaz, a member of the Serpents who is Jugheads guide into that world. Shes like a female Jughead. So shes trouble, Aguirre-Sacasa described. And being a bisexual character, Toni could be trouble for a lot of the people on this show.
* Mark Consuelos arrival as Veronicas dad Hiram will shake up the Lodge family. His daughter really wants to know hes better now, Mendes shared. But at the same time, hes still keeping secrets with [his wife] Hermione, so Veronica is still suspicious and [doesnt] trust him. And what will Papa Lodge think of his daughters boyfriend Archie? Weve got some crazy stuff together, Apa previewed, adding that the twosomes dynamic is scary for Archie.
* The Season 2 opener contains probably the sexiest scene in the shows run, and it involves Veronica and Archie, Aguirre-Sacasa teased.
* As if there wasnt enough boy drama, Mendes revealed that Veronicas bad-boy ex from New York comes to Riverdale and brings out Veronicas dark side. He does some really bad things [involving] Veronica and Cheryl [in Episode 5], and because of that, it brings all the girls together to fight it, Mendes shared.
* Cheryl gets colder and meaner in Season 2 because of all the things that happened in Season 1, Madelaine Petsch previewed. (Can you blame her?) But she takes the reins back from her parent, as seen in that teaser trailer scene. Betty and Cheryl also have a very interesting dynamic in the upcoming episodes, she teased.
* According to new series regular Casey Cott, Kevin is still dealing with that heartbreak. I do think theres going to be a new love interest that comes in eventually.
* Josie might be batting a couple of eyelashes at Reggie, Ashleigh Murray revealed. As for the Pussycats, we are, literally, singing the dopest song ever in Season 2s second episode, Asha Bromfield (Melody) hinted. Its a classic.
* Asked if any supernatural elements will be introduced into the series, Aguirre-Sacasa cagily responded, We have been talking about one very prominent supernatural character that exists in the Archie universe, and thats all we can say. Sabrina, is that you?
And Dilton is still being played by an Asian actor, btw.
