Known to most as Archie Andrews from the CW’s “Riverdale,” New Zealand actor KJ Apa has taken an unexpected (and frankly thrilling) detour into music. Enter Mr. Fantasy: a surprise single and persona that’s dreamy, synthy, and, unlike the later seasons of ‘Riverdale,’ shockingly good.
While this is Mr. Fantasy’s first foray into the music world, Kapa is no stranger to the stage; in 2021, he released his debut album, “Clocks,” an acoustic-heavy, folk-tinged piece with a simpler sound. Once he puts on Mr. Fantasy’s crooked (but somewhat endearing) fake teeth and flashes his signature smirk, though? That’s when the star truly begins to shine.
Sporting a jet-black bob, blunt bangs, and oversized aviators, Mr. Fantasy isn’t just a new persona; it’s a full-blown pop spectacle. Imagine Austin Powers trapped in an ’80s synth-pop-funk fever dream, with a heavy dose of drama and disco; he’s created a strange yet exciting world you don’t want to step out of, a rare feat in today’s era of cookie-cutter chords and stories that fall flat.
“I can tell you want the finer things, just come on over, c’est quoi tu fais, I can be your Mr. Fantasy, I see you looking my way,” he croons in the glitter-drenched chorus, as if Prince, Chromeo, and a French love affair collided on a neon-lit dance floor. It’s a trip of the best kind: confusing, thrilling, and utterly unexpected.
The music video for the track was filmed across LA and Venice, CA, shot entirely through TikTok and Instagram, leaving wide-angle shots for the silver screen, like Apa’s latest film, “The Map That Leads” To You. The music video features Fantasy dressed in his disco best, pulling out his best moves as if he were plucked straight off the dance floor and tossed onto Venice Beach.
This unexpected persona shift has left thousands of fans stunned, including some of KJ Apa’s own friends and co-stars. Former Riverdale castmate Lili Reinhart reacted on the Mr. Fantasy TikTok page with a simple, shocked “Oh my god.” Joe Jonas also chimed in, commenting “WAIT A MINUTE!”, a clear sign that Mr. Fantasy is making waves and firmly planting himself in the scene.
Featured Photo Credit: Trevor Pikhart | Studio Super
Nicole Speros holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications & Media Studies and is currently diving deeper into the industry at Berklee College of Music, where she’s studying Music Business. A passionate storyteller with an eye for what’s next, Nicole brings a sharp, curious voice to her work as a music journalist. She covers emerging artists, shifting trends, and the ever-evolving intersection of music and media—with a focus on authenticity, accessibility, and the songs that connect us all.
She’s an active member of GRAMMY U/The Recording Academy and Women in Music, always looking for ways to support and amplify voices in the industry. When she’s not in class or writing, you’ll probably find her stage-side at a local Boston show or hopping on a plane for her next adventure.