Riverdale Cast Pays Tribute to Luke Perry as Season 4 Begins Production
Paul Dailly at .Riverdale is returning to The CW and Netflix later this year, and the cast has paid tribute to their former co-star, Luke Perry, who passed away in March.
Perry died days after suffering a stroke at just 52 years old while the show was winding down production on Riverdale Season 3.
As such, Perry's exit was never addressed on-screen.
Mädchen Amick, who plays Alice Cooper on the Archie comics adaptation, shared a beautiful tribute to Perry via Instagram, with a photo that shows the cast and crew assembling for a table read of Riverdale Season 4 Episode 1, titled "In Memoriam."
"There was nothing but love, memories and mourning for our beloved Luke as we honor him in our first episode back ❤️ #wemissyouluke #inmemoriam #riverdale #S4 #tableread," the actress shared.
Riverdale showrunner, Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa previously confirmed via Twitter the first episode of Season 4 would pay tribute to Perry.
Related: Luke Perry, Beloved Riverdale Star Dies at 52
"Probably the most important episode of #Riverdale we’ll do this year, if not ever," he confirmed in June.
"A tribute to our fallen friend. Thankful for this opportunity to honor Luke & Fred."
He also revealed the following title page of the script.
It shows a family photo album, filled with key moments from the life of Fred Andrews, including many with his son Archie, and even some with his estranged wife, Mary.
Related: Riverdale Showrunner Confirms Luke Perry Tribute Episode
There has been no word on how Perry's death will be addressed on-screen, but fans are hoping that a recast is not in the works.
One fan said: “I hope they have a fitting tribute for his character planned. Please don’t recast.”
Another echoed those sentiments: “Please tell me you guys aren’t going to recast Fred? Nobody can play Fred like Luke did!”
How would you like Perry's character to be written out?
Hit the comments below.
Remember you can watch Riverdale online right here via TV Fanatic.
Riverdale returns Wednesday, October 8 at 8/7c.
Paul Dailly was an Associate Editor for TV Fanatic.Follow him on X.