Deadline is reporting that Riverdale spinoff pilot Katy Keene has added Penny Dreadful alum Jonny Beauchamp and Julia Chan (Saving Hope). Beauchamp is set as aspiring Broadway performer Jorge Lopez who works at his family’s bodega during the day before performing at a local club as his drag alter ego Ginger at night. Chan, meanwhile, will play New York It Girl Pepper Smith, a magnetic trendsetter with an air of mystery that no one knows what to do with.
Described as a musical dramedy that takes place following the events of Riverdale, Katy Keene follows Veronica’s 20-something fashionista cousin Katy and her aspiring artist friends in New York City as they try to make it on Broadway, on the runway, and in the recording studio. This marks the second spinoff of Riverdale, joining Netflix’s Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, which was previously in development at The CW before the streamer gave it a two-season order. Katy Keene hails from Riverdale creator Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Michael Grassi.
In addition to his role on the Showtime drama, Beauchamp has appeared on Chicago PD and How to Make It in America, while Chan’s television credits include Little Dog, Gotham, and Schitt’s Creek. They join a cast that includes Riverdale actress Ashleigh Murray, reprising her role as aspiring musician Josie McCoy.
Katy Keene is part of a development slate for The CW that includes Jane the Virgin spinoff Jane the Novela; DC-verse entry Batwoman; new takes on The Lost Boys and Nancy Drew; and Glamorous, about a YouTube beauty vlogger who gets a job at a cosmetics company.
