The popular teen drama series Riverdale, which ran for seven seasons on The CW, may have come to an end, but the friendship among its cast members is still going strong. Actress Camila Mendes, who played Veronica Lodge on the show, recently opened up about how she and her co-stars keep in touch through a group chat and support each other through their new phases of life.
Riverdale’s lasting impact
Riverdale, which was based on the Archie Comics characters, captivated audiences with its mysterious and thrilling storylines, as well as its diverse and dynamic cast. The show featured stars such as KJ Apa, Lili Reinhart, Cole Sprouse, Madelaine Petsch, Casey Cott, Vanessa Morgan, and Charles Melton, among others. The show also paid tribute to the late Luke Perry, who played Fred Andrews, Archie’s father, until his untimely death in 2019.
The show’s finale aired on February 9, 2024, and wrapped up the main characters’ journeys with a flash-forward that showed where they ended up 10 years later. The episode also featured a nostalgic reunion at Pop’s Chock’lit Shoppe, where the gang reminisced about their high school days and vowed to stay friends forever.
The lively group chat
In a recent episode of People in 10, Mendes talked about her feelings about leaving Riverdale and how she maintains her bond with her co-stars. She said, “I think I was very ready for this next chapter by the time it was over, even though it was obviously really emotional and sad as it was ending. I was kind of ready to age out of that phase and enter this new phase and I think it’s been kind of effortless.”
She added, “I think I’ve just kind of been really happy to have a little bit more free time and enjoying more quality time with people that I didn’t get to see as much.”
When asked by host Makho Ndlovu if her group chat with Reinhart and Petsch was active, Mendes replied, “It’s pretty lively. I gotta say.” She continued, “No, it’s not even like… It’s not spicy. It’s more just all of us like venting about things that are worrying us or being like, ‘Hey, are you guys also experiencing this?’ Like, we really lean on each other, especially coming out of this phase of our lives.”
She added, “We’re all kind of experiencing the same anxieties at the same time and it’s really nice to have people who relate to you and that way.”
The new projects of Camila Mendes
Mendes also shared some details about her new projects, including her leading role in the romantic comedy film Upgraded, which she also executive produced. The film, directed by Carlson Young, follows Mendes as Ana, an ambitious intern who dreams of making it in the art world and tries to impress her demanding boss Claire (Marisa Tomei).
Mendes revealed that she shares a lot of similarities with her character Ana, and that she enjoyed showing her sillier side in the film. She also praised Young for being a visionary director and a supportive friend.
Mendes also expressed her interest in working with Priyanka Chopra Jonas, whom she admires for her talent and charisma. She said, “I would love to work with Priyanka Chopra. I think she’s amazing. I think she’s so cool. I think she’s so talented. I think she’s so beautiful. I think she’s everything.”
The enduring friendship
The Riverdale cast has always been vocal about their love and appreciation for each other, both on and off-screen. They have often shared behind-the-scenes photos and videos, birthday wishes, and words of encouragement on their social media platforms. They have also supported each other’s endeavors, such as Reinhart’s poetry book, Sprouse’s photography, and Petsch’s YouTube channel.
The cast has also attended various events and award shows together, and have been spotted hanging out in their free time. They have also faced some challenges and controversies, such as breakups, rumors, and online trolls, but they have always stood by each other and defended each other.
