10 TV Characters You Forgot Were Recast
1. Reggie Mantle - Riverdale
Fans of the Archie Comics were understandably excited when Asian-American actor Ross Butler was cast as beloved character, Reggie Mantle.
The year was 2017 and Butler had landed two coveted roles in two highly anticipated teen shows, Riverdale and 13 Reasons Why. Butler managed to work his schedule expertly, weaving his way through two (admittedly quite similar) characters and learning all his lines.
But when both show were picked up for a second season, Butler had a difficult choice to make. Because, even though he'd managed to pull it off before, Butler did not think he could fit both shows into his blooming acting schedule. And since 13 Reasons Why offered Butler a sweeter deal with more screen time, he obviously leant that way.
So Riverdale had to recast, and while people debated anyone could fill the hunky shoes of one Reggie Mantle, the casting director seemed to get it right the second time round too, some may say they may have even upgraded. Because the world SWOONED over the new Reggie, played by Charles Melton.
Arguably, Melton could be considered the more successful one of the two now, considering Melton has gone on to become a teen rom-com star.