Disney+ adapts comic book Afterlife with Archie

Disney+ has greenlit an adaptation of comic book series Afterlife with Archie, the title that first introduced the town of Riverdale to audiences.

The TV version of Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Francesco Francavilla’s hit comic will debut on Disney+ in time for Halloween 2027 and is being produced by Warner Bros. Television, Aguirre-Sacasa and Greg Berlanti.

The story is set in the all-American town of Riverdale and explores what happens when a supernatural spell from a teen witch backfires, unleashing an army of the possessed dead upon the population.

Aguirre-Sacasa and Jimmy Gibbons exec produce, the latter via his Muckle Man Productions, which has an overall deal with WBTV.

Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman are attached for Berlanti Productions, which also has an overall deal with WBTV, while Jon Goldwater is attached for Archie Comics Studios.

Berlanti and Aguirre-Sacasa previously worked together on The CW drama Riverdale for seven seasons and the duo were also behind Netflix’s Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, which ended in 2020. Both shows shared the same universe.

“Afterlife with Archie has always been about more than just zombies - it’s about the friendships, loyalty and humanity that make Riverdale worth fighting for,” said Ayo Davis, president, Disney Kids & Family.

“Roberto, Greg, Sarah and Jon have such a deep appreciation for these characters, and they’ve built something that’s equal parts thrilling and heartfelt. Fans are going to fall hard for this new version of the gang and maybe scream a little too.”

“This was the comic book that started it all,” said Aguirre-Sacasa. “Before there was a Riverdale, before there was a Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, there was Afterlife with Archie, which I collaborated on with the best horror artist in the business, Francesco Francavilla.

“Getting to turn Afterlife into a TV series for the amazing team at Disney+ with our incredible partners at Berlanti Productions, WB and, of course, Jon (Goldwater) and his Archie family is truly a full-circle moment — and the ultimate dream project for me.”

Berlanti and Schechter continued: “We are so happy to reunite with Roberto on this exciting series that takes us back into the Riverdale world that we so love, and we are thankful to Disney+ and WBTV for giving us the opportunity to revisit some of our favorite characters in a unique and thrilling way.”

Channing Dungey, chairman and chief exec at Warner Bros. Television Group and WBD US Networks, added: “The world of Archie and Riverdale is the gift that keeps on giving. To bring Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa’s incredible story to life with our partners at Berlanti Productions, Archie Comics and Disney+ is a thrill for all of us at WBTVG.”