'Riverdale' season 4 premiere will honor Luke Perry, showrunner says
After a "Riverdale" season finale that left the fate of Luke Perry's Fred Andrews unclear after his death earlier this year, showrunner Robert Aguirre-Sacasa says the season four premiere will be a tribute to the late actor.
The producer shared an image of the script on Wednesday with a caption explaining the upcoming episode.
"Probably the most important episode of #Riverdale we'll do this year, if not ever," he wrote. "A tribute to our fallen friend. Thankful for this opportunity to honor Luke & Fred."
In fact, the first episode of season four is titled "In Memoriam."
It was earlier this year that Aguirre-Sacasa announced Perry's final scene would be airing in April, and though it was a tender moment between him and his on-screen son Archie, the rest of the season did not explain the future loss or Perry's final arc.
"This week's #Riverdale is the last episode Luke filmed," the producer wrote at the time. "As always, Fred's imparting words of wisdom to Archie. A beautiful, true moment between a father and his son. Wish these scenes could go on forever."
Perry died in March at the age of 52 after suffering a massive stroke days prior.
Perry starred in "Riverdale," but was also known for his role on "Beverly Hills, 90210," where he played teen heartthrob Dylan McKay decades earlier.
After the loss, Aguirre-Sacasa, current and past castmates all voiced how much they loved him on and off-screen.
"Riverdale" executive producers issued a similar statement, which read, "We are deeply saddened to learn today about the passing of Luke Perry. A beloved member of the Riverdale, Warner Bros. and CW family, Luke was everything you would hope he would be: an incredibly caring, consummate professional with a giant heart, and a true friend to all."
