Why Reggie Mantle Was Recast In Riverdale, Explained (& Where The Actors Are Now)

Reggie Mantle is a major supporting character in Riverdale, having a role across all seven seasons of the show. Originally created back in 1942, Reggie served as the rival to Archie Andrews in the Archie Comics, and the two would essentially be frenemies for a large portion of their comic book history. When it comes to the live-action Riverdale adaption that began in 2017, the show leaned on that rivalry, with Reggie largely acting as an antagonistic force to Archie through the first season.

Reggie grew over the course of the series, becoming a much more positive character throughout Riverdale's seven seasons. While most of the characters in Riverdale change and grow in a number of ways, Reggie Mantle did so in a much different fashion. One of the biggest changes to Reggie came after season 1, and forever changed the character for the rest of the series.

Reggie Was Replaced Because Ross Butler Left Riverdale For 13 Reasons Why

He Felt More Connected To His Character Zach Than Reggie

Ross Butler as Reggie Mantle talking to Archie in Riverdale

Throughout the entire first season of Riverdale, Ross Butler played Reggie Mantle, but when season 2 rolled around, Butler was no longer the face of Reggie. In 2017, series creator Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa told TV Line that Butler would not be returning to the role because of commitments to other projects going on at the same time. At the time, Butler had a role in Netflix's 13 Reasons Why, one of their most popular teen dramas, which took precedence over his time on Riverdale.

It's a shame given that Butler was great in the role of Reggie, but 13 Reasons Why felt like a monumental moment for teen dramas, so it makes sense why the actor would go in that direction. Looking back on it now tells a different story, but at the time, it seemed like a no-brainer. In an interview with Vulture, Butler opened up about deciding to prioritize 13 Reasons Why over Riverdale, stating:

Before season 2 was confirmed for 13 [Reasons Why], I had to make the decision of whether I wanted to focus on one character or split two characters and have a smaller role on both shows... Reggie’s a great character, but it’s a different tone. I connected with Zach on a much more real level where I didn’t have to create so much of a character for him.

Charles Melton Replaced Butler As Reggie On Riverdale

Melton's Reggie Was Less Of A Jock Stereotype

Charles Melton as Reggie Mantle playing basketball in Riverdale

When Ross Butler left the role of Reggie Mantle, it was up to Charles Melton to play the Riverdale character, starting with the first episode of season 2. Melton portrayed Reggie in a much different light, given that Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa actually told Melton not to watch Butler's version of the character from season 1, wanting him to have his own take on Reggie Mantle (via Business Insider). This proved to be good advice, as Melton's version of the character has a lot more to him than in season one.

Of course, this isn't a dig at Butler as an actor. Reggie became a much more fleshed-out character starting in season 2. Riverdale really leaned into the jerk side of Reggie in the first season, but Melton's version gave him much more depth, somewhat shedding the jock stereotype Butler's version essentially was. It wasn't always smooth sailing for Melton, either, as he was unable to play Reggie for the first half of the final season due to his own scheduling conflicts. Thankfully, he was able to come back for the second half to help finish Riverdale on a strong note.

Where The Reggie Actors Are Now

Ross Butler Joined The Shazam! Franchise While Charles Melton Earned Praise For May December

Ultimately, Ross Butler and Charles Melton have built solid careers for themselves, both during their time on Riverdale and after. Butler remained in 13 Reasons Why for all four seasons, and has since appeared in a number of TV shows and movies. Some of Butler's biggest projects include Shazam! and Shazam! Fury of the Gods, Awkwafina is Nora from Queens, and Love in Taipei. He also has a handful of projects in post-production, such as Zipline and Shiver.

It seemed like everything worked out with both actors, as 13 Reasons Why and Riverdale helped them get even greater opportunities.

While the second Reggie Mantle remained a staple of Riverdale for most of its run, Melton was also involved in some great projects during and after. His most notable role, though, was in May December. Revolving around the story of a woman who began a relationship with her husband when he was 13, and she was 36, Melton received strong praise for his May December role, earning a Golden Globe nomination in the process. Up next for Melton is a part in the upcoming film, Warfare, directed by Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland.