Riverdale's KJ Apa Lands New Role In Upcoming Romantic Comedy 'The Last Summer'
KJ Apa adds another movie credit under his name following news that he has been cast for a lead role in the upcoming romantic comedy film The Last Summer.
The Last Summer follows the story of a group of high school graduates whose lives intersect in Chicago over the summer before they start college. Apa, born Keneti James Fitzgerald, plays the role of Griffin, one of the graduates. The other cast has yet to be announced.
Brothers Bill and Scott Bindley penned the script curated by April Prosser of the comedy film Plus One. Bill also directs The Last Summer from Gulfstream Pictures, the latter's film credits include the romantic comedy Blended (starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore) and several animations including Spark and The Nut Job.
Wayne Rice and Mike Karz will produce The Last Summer. Talking about Apa, Karz expressed his excitement to cast the Kiwi actor for the lead role in his movie.
"K.J. is one of today's most talented and sought-after young stars both here and abroad, and we are excited to announce he will lead our ensemble cast," Karz said in a statement.
KJ Apa Career
Karz is known for his other romantic comedy films including the 2007 movie Good Luck Chuck, 2010's Valentine's Day, the 2011 film New Year's Eve and most recently, Mother's Day from 2016.
As for Apa, he appeared in the film adaptation of the best-selling novel by W. Bruce Cameron, A Dog's Purpose. The 20-year-old New Zealand native played the role of the teenaged Ethan Montgomery, who developed an unbreakable bond with his dog (voiced by Josh Gad).
Apa landed his first TV appearance in his native New Zealand's primetime soap opera Shortland Street before making a name for himself in the United States. He played the role of Kane Jenkins. He currently plays as Archie Andrews in The CW series Riverdale. The show is based on the famous Archie comics.
Riverdale Cast Branching Out
News about Apa's second film project comes after Riverdale costar Cole Sprouse also lands a movie deal. Sprouse, who portrays Jughead Jones in the series, plays the male lead in the romantic drama Five Feet Apart from CBS Films. The movie follows the story of a young couple in love who are both living on borrowed time. The female lead has yet to be cast.
Filming for Apa's The Last Summer begins April 23. Meanwhile, production for Sprouse's first adult role is slated for the Spring.
