Netflix’s Chilling Adventure of Sabrina has cast former Disney star Ross Lynch as Sabrina’s love interest Harvey Kinkle. The upcoming series is more of an adaptation of the comics by the same name written by Riverdale showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa with art by Robert Hack than a remake of Sabrina the Teenage Witch, the show that aired on ABC in the late 1990s. And like Riverdale, which has taken the classic Archie comics to the next level, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is sure to be darker than the original.
The one hour drama will feature Kiernan Shipka as Sabrina Spellman, a young half witch torn between two worlds. While Riverdale has the mystery and drama of small town life, Sabrina will deal with supernatural elements head on. The show will focus on witchcraft, the occult and dark forces, and has been described as sharing a tone with classic horror films like The Exorcist and Rosemary’s Baby.
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According to Variety, Ross Lynch is joining Chilling Adventures of Sabrina as Harvey. In the 90s series Harvey was a sweet, but not too bright jock played by Nate Richert. His character this time around sounds a little bit like the naive, but well meaning star of Riverdale, Archie Andrews (KJ Apa).
Lynch most recently played serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer in My Friend Dahmer. He is also known known for starring in the Disney Channel’s Teen Beach Movie and the series Austin & Ally. Lynch also sings and plays guitar in the band R5, which features his four siblings. His interesting mix of previous roles makes him a perfect fit to play Harvey. He has the charisma to play the lead role as well as the darker side required for someone so close to the supernatural.
“Described as the prince charming of the dark fairytale Harvey is the son of a coal miner, a dreamboat and a dreamer, completely unaware of the dark forces conspiring to keep him and Sabrina apart.”
While Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is no longer a CW show and won’t crossover with Riverdale, there are sure to be some similarities between the two, especially with Aguirre-Sacasa serving as showrunner on both projects. For one, both now feature former Disney Channel stars in much darker and more grown up roles. (Don’t forget Cole Sprouse starred in The Suite Life of Zack and Cody before becoming the brooding Jughead on Riverdale.) Lynch’s musical talent will undoubtedly be used on Sabrina as well, these shows can’t seem to resist a good musical performance - or episode. But while there are sure to be some similarities between the two shows, with Sabrina on Netflix there are also less limitations on what the writers can get away with - meaning that on Sabrina, anything can happen.
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The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina will premiere on Netflix sometime in 2018.
Source: Variety