The "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" reboot finds a lead character in "Mad Men" star Kiernan Shipka.
Based on earlier character descriptions revealed by Netflix, Shipka will play a 16-year-old half-human, half-witch, who is on the beginning of her dark education as a sorceress. Always one to challenge their own doctrine, Sabrina is "all that stands between us and the Forces of Darkness that threaten our world."
Described as intelligent, compassionate, and brave to the point of recklessness, Sabrina is a funny young witch, who is very loyal to both her family and friends. The story will revolve around her trying to reconcile her dual nature as a sorceress and a sophomore student at Baxter High, where she has a star-crossed romance with classmate Harvey Kinkle. Her future love line has yet to be named.
Executive producer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa shared Shipka's name was on "everyone's wish list" when the casting team was looking for their iconic teenage witch. "This is a darker, more macabre version of Sabrina, and we're incredibly excited for people to see Kiernan make this iconic character her own," he said in the official announcement.
Archie Comics CEO Jon Goldwater added, "I am thrilled that Kiernan is playing Sabrina and have no doubt that she will embody the strength, courage and boldness that has made the character a fan favorite."
The still untitled "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" revival was first confirmed in early December. Originally a supposed companion to "Riverdale" at The CW, Netflix was able to snag a two-season straight-to-series order for the series based on the Archie Comics graphic novel "Chilling Adventures of Sabrina."
It will be run by the same team who led the worldwide hit "Riverdale" -- Aguirre-Sacasa, Berlanti Productions, and Warner Bros. TV. Aguirre-Sacasa will write the pilot episode, which will be directed by Lee Toland Krieger. They are also the same duo who did it for the "Riverdale" pilot.
