Multiple Archie Comics Adaptations Expected From Universal, Paramount, Disney

Universal Pictures is developing a new film adaptation of the iconic Archie Comics, marking the first major movie project for the franchise, which has primarily seen television adaptations. The movie will be produced by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, known for their work on the Spider-Verse trilogy and 21 Jump Street, with a screenplay by comic book writer Tom King. Lord and Miller expressed enthusiasm about bringing the beloved characters, including Archie, Veronica, and Betty, to the big screen for both longtime fans and new audiences. The project comes as Archie Comics faces challenges in its traditional publication formats, with digests being significantly reduced. Additionally, there are reports of a separate Archie adaptation potentially in development at Disney+, based on the horror-themed Afterlife With Archie series, to be showrun by Riverdale creator Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa. While plot details and casting remain under wraps, the timing follows the recent conclusion of the seven-season Riverdale TV series and highlights renewed interest in the Archie universe across multiple platforms.