Archie Comics has teamed up with India-based entertainment company Graphic India to develop a Bollywood-style movie based on the iconic Archie Comics characters Archie Andrews, Jughead Jones, Betty Cooper, Veronica Lodge, Reggie Mantle, Sabrina Spellman and Josie. Variety notes that the yet-to-be-titled film will mark the first time that an American comic book will get adapted for an Indian movie.
As per the report, the film project is currently in the early stages and no release date has been set yet. Set in India, the upcoming film will see Archie Comics’ teenage characters played by an Indian cast. The movie will reportedly incorporate all the elements of the comic book series.
Announcing the partnership, Archie Comics CEO Jon Goldwater said he is pretty much excited to see Archie and his friends in an Indian avatar.
“We are supremely excited to partner with the great team at Graphic India to bring Archie and his friends to Bollywood,” Goldwater said. “Archie’s lasting and growing presence in India made this move the logical next step as our stellar library of characters continues to expand into other media. It’s a major moment for Archie and its fans around the world.”
Meanwhile, co-founder and CEO of Graphic India Sharad Devarajan said that it would be great for the Archie Comics’ Indian fan base to see their favorite characters on big screen.
“Archie, Betty, Veronica and Jughead have been a source of inspiration for numerous Bollywood films over the years, and now it’s time to take them fully into Bollywood in an exciting new twist of a story that we have planned,” Devarajan said. “These characters have held a special place in the hearts of Indians for decades and we have no doubt that the new Indian cast of Archie and the gang will be an exciting moment for the country.”
Introduced way back in 1941, Archie Comics is published in over 17 languages in over 55 countries and has sold over 2 billion copies worldwide. The Archie Comics characters can be seen in The CW’s television series Riverdale. The show is currently airing its second season. A Netflix series on Archie Comics’ character Sabrina is also in works.
Are you excited about Archie Comics’ Indian big screen adaption? Let us know in comments below.
Source: Variety
