casting couch

Shannon Purser Comes Out of the Upside-Down to Join Riverdale as Ethel Muggs

Photo: Courtesy of Shannon Purser, Archie Comics

No demogorgons to worry about at the CW. Shannon Purser — known to greater audiences as the beloved Barb from Stranger Things — has joined the cast of Archie reboot Riverdale as Ethel Muggs. Purser’s character will appear on the teen drama for “at least†three episodes, where Ethel will be in a “romantic relationship with someone very different†than her crush, Jughead (portrayed by Cole Sprouse) in the original comics. She’ll also befriend Veronica and Betty after they “team up for a revenge plot†against Archie’s main rival, Reggie Mantle. We’re assuming this revenge will involve shotgunning some beers at Moose Mason’s house and getting Reggie to sit on a diving board all alone on an eerie evening. “Can I be super real? Didn’t think a girl with my body type could get this far,†Purser tweeted after the casting news was revealed. “I’m so thankful and excited. Much love to you all.†Riverdale will premiere this winter.

Shannon Purser Joins CW’s Riverdale