KJ Apa Says It Was 'Frustrating' JugglingRiverdaleSeasons While FilmingOne Fast Move– So He Made A Drastic Change

Mar. 15, 2025

Frank Masi/Prime Video

Like many of hisRiverdalecostars,KJ Apafelt stuck in his role after five years as Archie Andrews.

He toldEntertainment Weeklythat is was “frustrating” to toggle between the two worlds for the motorcycle movie, which he stars in alongsideEric Dane, becauseRiverdalewas heavy on his mind.

“It was frustrating because I’d never been so connected to a film that I was about to shoot, while also working onRiverdale,” he recalled. “You’d find yourself on set ofRiverdale, thinking about another character that you’re about to play, and it can become frustrating, especially because I had to shoot very soon after finishing that season.”

Apa’s strategy to combat the in-between feeling was simple:he got rid of his signature Archie locks.

He told the outlet that cutting the red hair off “ended up being a good choice,” adding, “I remember being in Atlanta and feeling so liberated to just be like, ‘Okay, I can just focus on this now.'”

Michael Courtney/The CW

HisRiverdalemom,Molly Ringwald, expressed her shock in a comment and complimented him, writing, “OMG. I ❤️❤️❤️.”

Apa had been open about his excitement at getting to bid farewell to the red-haired look onceRiverdaleconcluded. He toldVulturelast August, “I’ve walked around with red hair for the past seven years,” ashe admitted he’s looking forward to “not having red hair.”

“There’s a part of my identity that I want to get back that I don’t really feel connected to.

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source: people.com