[Warning, this post contains spoilers from Riverdale episode “Chapter Fifty-One: Big Fun.”]
Last night was Riverdale's second annual musical episode and, don't get me wrong, The Heathers was Big Fun—but can we please talk about Chad Michael Murray's first appearance as the sexy mysterious cult leader Edgar Evernever? Talk about a scene stealer. Sorry, Kevin Keller.
Somehow, after scores of dramatic musical numbers, literal dance fights, and both the destruction and cathartic reconciliation of Choni, the elusive Evernever was able to overshadow all of it with one sinister slow clap. Now, that's power. (And something CMM has always wanted to do on screen.)
It's kind of surreal seeing the One Tree Hill bad boy heartthrob play the father of a teenage girl—no matter how DILF-y the 37-year-old's beard may be. Seriously, was this iconic moment really so long ago?!
I feel old but still so thirsty, which is right where creator Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa wants me, I think. So, what's next? How nefarious can a guy with such a delightful name like Edgar Evernever truly be? Chad Michael Murray—who's name is also fun to say—hopped on the phone with Cosmo to talk about joining the ranks of Riverdale's hot dads, what to expect for the rest of the season and why he wanted to be a part of this particular teen series so badly.
So, how did this role come about for you?
I've always been intrigued by the Riverdale universe just because, obviously it's historic, with all the years of the comics, and now it's this newfound superfandom.
My wife is a huge fan. She watched all of season one—she binge-watched it in like a week [laughs]—and when it came down the pipe, I was fascinated by it. It was an opportunity to go play and work with a good group of people.
So you did it to score points with your wife?
[Laughs] It doesn't hurt, it doesn't hurt. She's definitely a fan, so that helps for sure. But that and getting to play a cult leader at any point is like, "yeah, okay, cool."
Cults are definitely having a moment right now (see: Wild Wild Country and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood). What do you think it is that intrigues people so much?
I think when you look at any one particular person who can have that much power over a group of individuals and lead a group using their own theories and perspectives on life, that's always fascinating.
It's not just fascinating because of the cult leader, but also when you think about who the people in the cult are. Who are the people who were willing to listen? I think we all wonder, you know? Every time you hear comments about "people drinking the Kool-Aid" or whatever it may be, people are always fascinated by [the question of] "what happened in that person's life to get them to that point?"
How would you describe Edgar Evernever?
Calm. Peaceful. Open. I think he's very much a listener and someone who is pretty decent at reading people.
So, what can you tease about what he brings to the rest of the season?
It's going to be a wild ride. Strap on your seatbelt.
Edgar is a unique character. I think there are so many layers to peel back , so it's a very slow burn on really discovering who this man is, what his background is, and where he comes from. It's been fun for me to see where he's going, what he wants, and what his quest is all about. Beyond that, I can't say much. He's the leader of the Farm. The Farm very much believes in Edgar and their cause.
Your entrance is a very dramatic end to a very dramatic episode. What did you think when you read the script?
I've always wanted to do that particular clap. [Laughs] That was my first day at work, and it was like, "oh hi, here's everybody! Everybody, here's Chad. Okay, go." So it was definitely a lot all at once to take. It's an interesting entrance for a character that we've been waiting so long to finally meet.
I think you see his power in a very simple moment. When you show power, instead of just explain power, it's much more powerful. You see that in that moment. You see what Edgar appreciates about the performance, and then you see the Farm join him. You see the power he has over everybody and that he's taking Riverdale by storm.
Something I love about Riverdale is that all of the adults are played by actors who've portrayed iconic teens in the past. What made you want to get back into the high school drama genre?
I've experienced similar moments in my own life when I was younger, so to get to come in and sort of be a fly on the wall and watch almost a younger reflection of yourself—although I will say that these kids are far smarter than I ever was—it's fascinating to see it. Gosh, it's been 16 years since I started shooting One Tree Hill...I can look back and see the journey they're going on. I can lend an ear if somebody wants to unload or ask questions. I'm willing to be a sounding board.
It has an interesting phenomenon right now. People love this show. When I discussed it with my wife and some of her friends, people kept saying, "You have to do this show." Because they're all fans. There's a superfandom with Riverdale.
To be able to come in as Edgar and play something different and a character that has a depth and intrigue to me...plus, the cult world...I thought, "That's a no brainer."
