chilling adventures of sabrina

There’s a chill in the air and it’s not just because Halloween is a little over a week away!  While fans are nestling in with their hot cocoa or spiced apple cider and tuning into the new seasons of their favorite shows, the creators behind those programs are already back at work in hopes of conjuring up some new hits for next year.

Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, the chief creative officer of Archie Comics and the showrunner of The CW’s smash ‘Riverdale’ is adapting another of the publisher’s books (one he actually writes) into what may be the next big teen sensation– ‘The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’.  The creepy horror title is a dark look at the classic comedic Archie supporting character, Sabrina Spellman, and should fit right in next to ‘Riverdale’ which is itself a dark look at the formerly squeaky clean gang.

Of course, many may still remember Melissa Joan Hart‘s wholesome sitcom version of the character from the ’90s/early ’00s.  This isn’t going to be that.

The description for the lead character is here and unlike the norm, her name isn’t even fake!  There is an interesting and modern twist, though.  Check it out:

Female, Open Ethnicity, to play 16. 

Sabrina is an half-human, half-witch,empowered young woman just beginning her dark education as a sorceress, even as she tries to maintain a normal life as a sophomore at Baxter High. Sabrina’s intelligent, compassionate, and brave to the point of recklessness.

She is fiercely loyal to her family and friends; wickedly funny and in the middle of a star-crossed romance with her classmate Harvey Kinkle.  She challenges witch-doctrine at every turn. She is all that stands between us and the Forces of Darkness that threaten our world. 

The interesting note is that the producers are keeping the casting free to “open ethnicity.”  This shouldn’t be noteworthy in this day and age.  On ‘Riverdale’ Veronica and her parents are Hispanic, Josie, Val and Melody, not to mention Mister Weatherby and Pop Tate are African American and Reggie (both of them) are Asian American.  But it could be interesting to have a woman of color in the lead.

The big question is, will there be a talking cat?

At least boyfriend Harvey is there.  We still aren’t sure about the rest of the cast, but considering how important the adults on ‘Riverdale’ are, it’s pretty much a given that Sabrina’s aunts Hilda and Zelda will play a big role, but will they be the loving guardians of the past, or are they part of this Darkness that threatens our world.

Also, as you can see, ‘The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ will not take place at Riverdale High but Baxter High.  This show is a “companion” to ‘Riverdale’ and may not even be set in the same continuity.  If it is, where is Baxter High?  In neighboring Greendale, just across Sweetwater River?  (Also, the scene of a certain recent gruesome death?)  Guess we’ll have to wait and see.

How does ‘Sabrina’ seem to be shaping up to you?

Source: The Hashtag Show