Is Archie Andrews moonlighting as a disco-pop star? That’s what TikTok is trying to figure out as fans spiral over the mysterious new performer known as “Mr. Fantasy.”
The buzz began on August 19, when “Mr. Fantasy” posted his very first TikTok. “Hello TikTok. Hello Los Angeles. Hello world,” he greeted viewers in a black wig and English accent. Instantly, fans thought they recognized him — insisting that Mr. Fantasy was none other than Riverdale star KJ Apa.
Apa, a New Zealand-born actor who played Archie Andrews for seven seasons and recently starred in the romantic drama The Map That Leads to You alongside Madelyn Cline, has not confirmed or denied the speculation. But eagle-eyed fans are convinced.
Some TikTok users argue Mr. Fantasy doesn’t quite match Apa’s usual look, pointing out differences in hair and teeth. Others, however, are certain. “If not kj apa why kj apa tattoos,” one fan commented, noting that Apa’s signature ink is clearly visible in many of Mr. Fantasy’s videos.
@iamtherealmrfantasy The wait is over. Here is Part 1 of my very first video for my debut single “Mr. Fantasy” I love you all. The adventure has only just begun😜😜🤪🤪🤪 many more to come!!! I love you always – MR. FANTASY … now where were we? 🤪 oh and a big round of applause for John my filmographie / director thankyou John. Part 2 coming tomorrow!! “Mr. Fantasy” is out on all platforms!! Tap my Linktree to find the song or find it on the platform of your choice 😜 Song Produced by the inimitable Frenchman @Florian Gouello 🇫🇷 #mrfantasy
Since his debut, Mr. Fantasy has posted over a dozen TikToks. In one, he talks about “the room he’s renting” and “living with a guy called Blaine.” In another, he muses about “making it” in Hollywood while staring at the famous sign. Then, on September 2, he released “part one” of a music video for his first track, simply titled “Mr. Fantasy.” The colorful video showed him parading through Los Angeles in vibrant costumes, while the disco-inspired track dropped on Apple Music and Spotify.
And fans are here for it. “Why is this song actually so good,” one person wrote. Another added, “It’s been on repeat honestly.” Even Apa’s Riverdale costar Lili Reinhart couldn’t resist chiming in, commenting, “Oh my God” under one clip.
To make the mystery even stranger, the Mr. Fantasy TikTok account only follows James Franco fan pages — something commenters found hilarious. “This is the wildest thing a celebrity has done in a while,” one joked.
If Mr. Fantasy really is KJ Apa, it wouldn’t be the first time he’s leaned into an alter ego. During Riverdale’s run, he often posted comedy skits online under the persona “Fifi,” a name that lives on as his official TikTok handle, @fifiisqueen. He’s also no stranger to music — in addition to singing throughout Riverdale, he released the indie rock album Clocks in 2021.
“Music has very much been my way to express myself here in Vancouver,” Apa told NME in 2021. “When you’re on a set and you’re playing a character for so long, there’s a lot of rules and guidelines and directions that you have to follow that you don’t necessarily get a lot of say in. But music has always been, you know, the one thing that I have full control over.”
