Madelaine Petsch to star in Mark Pavia’s horror comedy Clare at 16

Last Updated on July 21, 2021

Actress Madelaine Petsch is best known for playing Cheryl Blossom on Riverdale, The CW's dark twist on the Archie comics characters, and now she has signed on for a very interesting film project. Petsch is set to star in and executive produce the horror comedy CLARE AT 16, which is being written and directed by Mark Pavia, the filmmaker behind the 1997 Stephen King adaptation THE NIGHT FLIER.

Based on a novel by Don Roff that has not yet been published by Baker & Taylor, CLARE AT 16 centers on 

Clare Bleecker, an average Catholic high school student who lives with her grandparents after being orphaned. She seems normal, but Clare will do whatever it takes to protect loved ones when confronted by the evil she faces in her small town.

Petsch had this to say about the project: 

The minute I picked up the script I was instantly intrigued by Clare. She has so much going on beneath the surface at any given moment and has a very interesting way of problem solving, which will make being her very fun and challenging. I'm thrilled and honored to be bringing her to life with an amazing team."

CLARE AT 16 is being produced by Cassian Elwes and Dead Rabbit's David Chackler and Dave Sereny. Arielle Elwes is co-producing. Cassian Elwes released the following statement: 

Petsch is a huge star, and she is perfect to bring Clare to life. I knew it had potential, but Petsch is going to take this to another level. CLARE AT 17 has also been written, and the story is ripe for sequels."

Apparently it's very ripe for sequels, because word is that there may end up being six books in Roff's "Clare" series.

Petsch will fit the filming of CLARE AT 16 into her schedule between production on the third and fourth seasons of Riverdale.

I haven't watched Riverdale and haven't seen Petsch in anything, so I can't comment on her casting. I am rooting for CLARE AT 16 because I was a fan of what Pavia did with THE NIGHT FLIER.