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Bollywood brought The Archies to life in 2023, and now it's Hollywood's opportunity to transform the cherished comics into a cinematic experience. Universal Pictures has enlisted Spider-Verse franchise producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller to helm the forthcoming film adaptation. The screenplay for the untitled Archie project will be crafted by Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow writer Tom King. Here’s what we have learned thus far.

Archie film in development at Universal Pictures

Miller and Lord, who are at the helm of the sci-fi thriller Project Hail Mary (2026), expressed in a statement, "We have been fans of Archie, Veronica, Betty and the entire crew in all their forms for many years. Upon discovering Tom King’s interpretation of the classic content, we immediately recognized its potential as a major film for audiences of all ages — both devoted fans and a fresh generation. We are thrilled to bring these iconic characters to the cinema."
The directing duo is also known for their successful films 21 Jump Street and The Lego Movie. Emma Watts, alongside Archie Comics CEO and publisher Jon Goldwater, will serve as producers, while Universal Pictures’ Britt Hennemuth and Christine Sun will oversee the film project for the studio.
The Archies comics have been a staple for 85 years, with three billion copies sold globally. The first appearance of the Archie crew was in Pep Comics No. 22, released in 1941. Set in the quaint town of Riverdale, the comics chronicle the adventures of red-haired Archie Andrews and his friends, Betty, Jughead, Veronica, Reggie, and others at Riverdale High School.
ALSO READ: The Archies Trailer Out! Suhana Khan, Agastya Nanda, Khushi Kapoor Band Together To Save Riverdale
Previous adaptations of Archie comics
Numerous television series have been inspired by the comics, including Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Riverdale, and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. Various animated adaptations of the comics have aired since the 1960s. Universal Pictures was behind the 2001 film Josie and the Pussycats, based on the comics.
In 2023, Zoya Akhtar directed Netflix's The Archies. The official adaptation featured Agastya Nanda, Khushi Kapoor, Suhana Khan, Vedang Raina, Mihir Ahuja, Aditi 'Dot' Saigal, and Yuvraj Menda.

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