Everything You Need to Know About The New Reggie Mantle on ‘Riverdale’
Published on October 11th, 2017 | Updated on October 11th, 2017 | By FanFest
Unless you’ve spent the past six months hanging out with the Southside Serpents on the wrong part of town then you probably heard that the old Reggie can’t come to the phone right now. Why? Oh, because he’s dead. And, just like Taylor Swift, there’s a New Reggie 2.0 in town and his name is Charles Melton.
Melton will be taking over the part of Archie’s main antagonist from Ross Butler, who decided to leave the series after its first season in order to continue his role in the popular Netflix show, 13 Reasons Why (below).
So, who is this new Reggie? Let’s take a look!
1. He’s somewhat of a newbie to the biz
Melton’s filmography may only have four credits on it including Riverdale, but American Horror Story fans may recognize him from Hotel, where he played Mr. Wu.
2. He’s a model
Melton’s modeled for brands like Armani, Azalea, Dolce & Gabbana, Hollister, Old Navy and more.
3. He’s a big sports guy
Melton played football in high school and at Kansas State University for two years.
4. He’s aware of #notmyreggie and he’s ready to prove himself
I really miss Ross as Reggie tbh #notmyreggie
— ⭐️ (@caitlinmda8) July 18, 2017
Even though Butler left the show on his own accord, fans have not been silent about Melton replacing him. They’ve often taken to Twitter using #notmyreggie, which would be tough for anyone taking over a role on such a popular show. However, Melton is taking it on as a challenge, speaking with E! News he said:
“I’m gonna give my best work that I can to the role of Reggie. I understand if you’re a little apprehensive, but you know, I’m going to do Reggie a service, an honor, you know, ‘cause historically he’s an iconic character, so I’m going to do my best so hopefully I’m going to stop getting the #notmyreggie comments.”
Here’s hoping that #MyReggie starts trending after the premiere!
5. He’s already got Butler’s approval
One last little thing… @TheCW @WriterRAS @RapaportCasting @GBerlanti @SarahSoWitty @_MELTON_ @ArchieComics #riverdale #aapi #represent pic.twitter.com/p9KtMEzEQg
— Ross Butler (@RossButler) May 13, 2017
Butler took to Twitter not long after Melton’s casting to say thank you to the Riverdale team for casting him and giving the thumbs up for Melton. He said:
“I’m so happy that The CW, Greg [Berlanti], Roberto [Aguirre-Sacasa], David [Rapaport] and Sarah [Schechter] gave me, an Asian-American, a chance to play a traditionally-caucasian character, Reggie. In light of recent casting news, I am even more excited and more proud that they decided to keep Reggie Asian-American. It means a lot to me, it means a lot to the Asian-American community, and so I just wanted to say thank you guys again, one more time. I support Charles Melton all the way, passing the baton off.”
6. The cast already loves him
https://www.instagram.com/p/BXD4Ln3nQyp/?taken-by=kjapa
Melton has been all over K.J. Apa’s and other cast members Instagram’s since starting on the show. So, whether or not you think he’s a good fit for the show, the cast certainly does and that’s all that matters!
Be sure to catch Melton in the Riverdale premiere tonight at 8/7c on The CW.
Having studied Media & Writing at James Madison University, I always knew that I wanted to do some type of creative writing, but being able to write about zombies, Starks, and superheroes on a daily basis for Fan Fest is my actual dream. While I probably shouldn’t be as proud as I am to be so similar to Nick Miller, I do hope to one day write my own “Pepperwood Chronicles’.
