SDCC 2019: The CW's Riverdale Panel Highlights

The Riverdale cast took over Hall H on Sunday during San Diego Comic Con 2019 and fans were on the edge of their seat for every bit of news they can get about season 4. This year’s panel included creator Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, Madelaine Petsch (Cheryl Blossom), Camila Mendes (Veronica Lodge), K.J. Apa (Archie Andrews), Lili Reinhart (Betty Cooper), and Cole Sprouse (Jughead Jones).

While there was no sneak peek of the upcoming season, attendees were treated to a hilarious blooper real (see below). Keep on reading for some of the biggest news we learned from the panel.

On Luke Perry’s tribute episode

The panel kicked off right away with a short reel of Luke Perry’s time on Riverdale as Archie’s dad, Fred Andrews. There wasn’t a shortage of love for the beloved actor. It was revealed that the first episode will be entirely dedicated to Luke and Shannen Doherty will have an appearance. Apparently, Luke has always wanted to work with her on Riverdale since season 1.

On the vibe for season 4

“This year, we’re really playing into senior year. We’re digging deep into it,” says Aguirre-Sacasa. Speaking of school, since Principal Weatherbee ascended last season, we’ll be seeing actor Kerr Smith filling in the role. We’ll also be seeing much more of a bigger presence from Molly Ringwald. And let’s just say, there we’ll be meeting a lot of new students this year.

Will there be a Halloween episode?

100% yes! This will be episode 4 airing on October 30th. Petsch is SO excited for it to air. Apparently, someone may die. In true Riverdale fashion. Aguirre-Sacasa already knows Archie’s Halloween costume but is working on the DC rights for Cheryl’s costume.

Where do we find some of our favorite character’s next season?

One of Betty’s biggest obstacle for next season is struggling on whether it’s even morally right to miss her father. Jughead’s new school will serve as the setting for the flash-forward (as seen from the season finale). The Stonewall Stags will now be the big rival school for Riverdale High. As for Veronica, we’ll be seeing the repercussions of her decisions. For instance, in episode 2, Hiram will be sending paparazzi to her school which makes it complicated when she applies for college.

Veronica and Cheryl will be teaming up

According to Aguirre-Sacasa, Veronica and Cheryl will become business partners and combine different aspects of their lives together. “It’ll be a kind of Risky Business situation,” says Aguirre-Sacasa. Ooh, la la.

Will other aspects of the Archie Comics come to life?

Yes! Archie’s comic band will be coming to life and there’ll be a battle of the bands episode this season. (We can’t wait!) Aguirre-Sacasa also mentioned he is heading to a meeting to discuss a potential storyline that’s big in the comics. BRB, going back to read all the comics again.

What will happen with Kevin, Josie, and Reggie?

Kevin Keller (played by Casey Cott): An old flame will be coming back! Plus, we’re heading back to Kevin and Betty’s friendship like in season 1.

Josie McCoy (played by Ashleigh Murray): Since she will be starring in the CW’s spinoff, Katy Keene, not much was said about her character other than she’ll be back for episode 1.

Reggie Mantle (played by Charles Melton): There’ll definitely be a reckoning between Reggie and Veronica. Stay tuned for episode 2 where you’ll see more of his vulnerable side.

Is Betty still a vixen?

Unsure. Reinhart comments, “I don’t think so. I hope note because I hate dancing.”