“Mad Men” and “Feud” alum Kiernan Shipka will star as Sabrina Spellman in its upcoming “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” horror series, Netflix announced Friday.
Shipka’s version of the character is described by the streaming giant as “an empowered young woman, half-human, half-witch, [who] is just beginning her dark education as a sorceress, even as she tries to maintain a normal life as a sophomore at Baxter High.”
Based on the Archie Comics graphic novel “The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina,” the untitled series — which was first developed at The CW as a companion series to fellow Archie Comics adaptation “Riverdale” — is said to be tonally similar to “Rosemary’s Baby” and “The Exorcist.” It is described as “a dark coming-of-age story that traffics in horror, the occult and, of course, witchcraft.”
“We’re all such huge fans of Kiernan’s work that when we started talking about who this new incarnation of Sabrina could be, her name was on everyone’s wish list,” said executive producer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa. “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.”
“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,” added Archie Comics CEO Jon Goldwater.
Aguirre-Sacasa (“Riverdale,” “Glee”) is writing and executive producing the co-production from Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television. Lee Toland Krieger (“Riverdale,” “The Age of Adaline”) is directing and executive producing. Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter and Jon Goldwater will also executive produce.
Melissa Joan Hart previously portrayed a comedic version of the character on ABC’s “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” which signed off in May 2000 after seven seasons.