Posted in: CW, TV | Tagged: archie, Ashleigh Murray, bleeding cool, cable, comedy, comic books, Comics, cw, drama, Jonny Beauchamp, Josie, Julia Chan, katy keene, penny dreadful, riverdale, Saving Hope, spinoff, streaming, television, tv

'Katy Keene': Jonny Beauchamp, Julia Chan Join CW's 'Riverdale' Spinoff Series

Looks like Jonny Beauchamp (Penny Dreadful) and Julia Chan (Saving Hope) are changing zip codes and setting their sights on NYC, landing lead roles in the pilot for CW's Riverdale spinoff pilot Katy Keene from "Archie-verse" creator/executive producer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. TV.

Describing the spinoff as "very different from Riverdale," Aguirre-Sacasa's Katy Keene follows the lives and loves of four iconic Archie Comics characters — including fashion legend-to-be Katy Keene and singer/songwriter Josie McCoy (Ashleigh Murray, reprising her Riverdale role) — as they chase their twenty-something dreams in New York City. This musical dramedy chronicles the origins and struggles of four aspiring artists trying to make it on Broadway, on the runway and in the recording studio.

Spinning off from her time in the small town of Riverdale, a now 20-something Josie McCoy (Murray) sets off on a new adventure to make it in the big city. More determined than ever to break into the music scene as the next Diana Ross, Josie finds herself forging new friendships, falling into new relationships, and, one day, becoming the star she is destined to be.

Beauchamp's Jorge/Ginger Lopez works at his family's bodega by day – but by night, his drag alter ego Ginger bartends and performs at a local club. Jorge always has aspired to be a Broadway performer, but he's now looking to take his drag career to the next level.

Chan's Pepper Smith is a New York City "It Girl" who is at the epicenter of all things trendy. As the funny, magnetic life of the party, she dreams of opening her very own version of Andy Warhol's Factory. But behind all the outrageous noise, no one quite knows where she gets all her money — or if she even has any.

The spinoff series will not impact the original series, a point highlighted by CW President Mark Pedowitz at the Television Critics Association (TCA) session:

"Katy Keene actually takes place years after Riverdale, and if any of those characters were to come to Katy Keene, they'd come as their older selves."

Written and executive produced by "Riverdale-verse" mastermind Aguirre-Sacasaand Michael Grassi, the musical dramedy's pilot will be directed by Maggie Kiley (American Horror Story: Cult, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina).  Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, and Jon Goldwater will also executive produce; Berlanti Productions (CW's Batwoman) will serve as the studio, in association with Warner Bros. Television.

Deadline Hollywood

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