The CW casts Zane Holtz and Katherine LaNasa in Katy Keene. The Riverdale spinoff is based on the famous Archie Comics character, known as “America’s Queen of Pin-Ups and Fashions,” and features Lucy Hale as the series lead. The Katy Keene pilot was ordered last January and filming began earlier this month. The series narrative will follow the trials and tribulations of young New Yorkers chasing their dreams in the entertainment industry. 

Based on Archie Comics characters, Katy Keene’s predecessor, Riverdale, premiered on The CW in January 2017. The teen drama series was developed by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, the Chief Creator Officer for Archie Comics, who also serves as Katy Keene’s executive producer. Riverdale features KJ Apa as Archie Andrews, Camila Mendes as Veronica Lodge, Lili Reinhart as Betty Cooper, and Cole Sprouse as Jughead Jones. After three seasons full of pop culture references and timely storylines, Riverdale continues to resonate with its core audience and has been renewed for a fourth season. With the new spinoff Katy Keene, Aguirre-Sacasa will produce a series that’s “very different from Riverdale.”

Per Deadline, Holtz and LaNasa are the latest cast additions for Katy Keene. Holtz will portray the title character’s boyfriend Ko Kelly, a Queens native with boxing aspirations. The character is described as “a humble, protective, salt-of-the-earth guy who makes ends meet as a personal trainer and a bouncer.” LaNasa has been cast as Gloria Grandbilt, a personal shopper for the rich and famous. She’s described as an “impeccably dressed” woman, one who “demands a level of excellence” from her young assistants. 

At 32 years old, Holtz has sustained a steady career in both television and feature films throughout the 21st century. The Canadian actor made his film debut in the 2003 adventure comedy Holes starring Sigourney Weaver and Jon Voight, and his breakthrough performances came with 2010’s Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief and 2012’s The Perks of Being a Wallflower. On television, Holtz appeared in 18 episodes of the ABC Family series Make It or Break It, and later starred as Richie Gecko in From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series. In Robert Rodriguez’s original 1996 film of the same name, Quentin Tarantino and George Clooney portrayed the Gecko brothers.

As for LaNasa, she’s best known for her extensive TV and film résumé dating back to the early ’90s. In recent years, she’s been a series regular on NBC’s Deception and USA’s Satisfaction. LaNasa has also maintained recurring roles on A&E’s Longmire, Bravo’s Imposters, and ABC Studios’ Devious Maids. Early in LaNasa’s career, she was married to the late actor Dennis Hopper.

Based on Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa’s resume and pop culture momentum, Katy Keene feels like an organic next step. In the past, he was a staff writer for the musical comedy Glee, and that experience will directly apply to Kate Keene’s premise. With Lucy Hale at the center, and surrounded by an endearing core group of protagonists, Katy Keene could be the next breakout hit.

More: The Biggest Problem With Riverdale Season 3

Source: Deadline