Stranger Things: Barb actress to join Archie reboot

Barb lives!!!! Well, sorta. EW has exclusively learned that Stranger Things actress Shannon Purser, who played fan-favorite character Barb on Netflix’s summer phenom, is joining the cast of The CW’s Archie reboot Riverdale for at least three episodes.

Purser will play Ethel Muggs, who has a major crush on Jughead (Cole Sprouse) in the comics. But, on Riverdale, Ethel will find herself in a romantic relationship with someone very different.

Ethel will also be drawn into a friendship with Veronica (Camila Mendes) and Betty (Lili Reinhart) after they team up for a revenge plot on Reggie Mantle, a bully and Archie’s rival.

Riverdale, developed by Roberto Aguire-Sacasa (Glee) and executive produced by Greg Berlanti (The Flash), will premiere midseason on The CW.

• By Tim Stack