Riverdale: KJ Apa Explains Archie's Relationship With His Mom Played By Molly Ringwald

03/23/2017 05:53 pm EDT

Ahead of Riverdale's return in a couple weeks, we spoke with star KJ Apa to glean some hints about upcoming developments, including the debut of a character we've yet to see on the CW teen drama.

Apa plays Archie, a character who was billed as the series' lead but has since yielded screen time to other members of the Archie gang. The show has become a true ensemble drama, but that doesn't mean Archie has taken the back seat.

Things are set to blow up in a big way around Riverdale when Archie's mom, Mary Andrews, returns to the small town.

And harkening back to the former teen dreams now playing parents on the show, such as Luke Perry and Skeet Ulrich, Riverdale has tapped none other than Molly Ringwald to play the returning Mrs. Andrews.

Speaking about Ringwald's introduction on the show, Apa said he was excited for the character to make an impact. But beware, he might spoil some upcoming developments that have yet to take place on the show.

SPOILERS BEWARE

"When Archie's mom comes back, the stuff with Fred and Hermione looks as though it's going to come to an end," Apa said. "Archie's mom figures out what's going on between them so there's no rekindling for [Archie's parents] at this moment in time."

It's surprising that Hermione wouldn't be the one to end things, considering how husband Hiram Lodge's absence has loomed over the show and impacted her relationship with her daughter Veronica.

But Archie's relationship with Mary won't be picking up where it left off, apparently. "He hasn't seen her for a long time so it's obviously really surprising when she comes in the door with Fred. The few scenes we have together are really great."

On working with Ringwald, Apa said he was grateful for her contributions despite not being very familiar with her work.

"Not the same connection that [some people] have, but I definitely was aware of who she was and the accolades she holds," Apa said. "It was amazing being able to work with her for an episode."

UP NEXT: Lili Reinhart Comments on Season 2 Pickup

That's in contrast to his relationship with his television father, played by Perry.

"We didn't develop that at all. As soon as we sat down to rehearse with Lee Toland Krieger, our director from the pilot, it was just there. He's an easy guy to do it with, but we also have a real good friendship. Me and Luke are really close."


Riverdale returns March 30 with "Chapter Eight: The Outsiders."

MORE RIVERDALE NEWS:
·Madelaine Petsch Teases Cheryl's Changing Relationship With Betty
·Veronica Joins Josie and the Pussycats In New Music Video
·Archie Comics Preview: Riverdale 1-Shot
·Will Betty and Trev Be A Thing?
·Riverdale #2 Is the Archie Breakfast Club

Riverdale stars KJ Apa as Archie, Cole Sprouse as Jughead, Lili Reinhart as Betty Cooper, Camilla Mendes as Veronica Lodge, and Luke Perry as Archie's father Fred Andrews, among others. The series' showrunner is Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, Archie Entertainment's Chief Creative Officer and the writer of Afterlife With Archie, the publisher's wildly popular zombie series.

Disclosure: ComicBook is owned by CBS Interactive, a division of Paramount. Sign up for Paramount+ by clicking here.