KJ Apa is not only starring in Prime Video’s new movie,The Map That Leads to You,but he’s also on his own journey,taking everything thrown his way day by day.

The 28-year-old actor, who rose to fame for his role as Archie Andrews in the television series Riverdale, tells The Hollywood Reporter that he actually “never wanted to be an actor” growing up. But when an chance came his way at 16 years old to star on a New Zealand soap opera, Apa knew he couldn’t pass it up, adn “the rest was kind of history.”

Later on, his relaxed mentality regarding his Hollywood career actually benefited him when it came to auditions.”I think there was a level of just chillness to my attitude and going into things that meant that if I didn’t get somthing, I was never really that disappointed because I didn’t choose to do this anyway,” he says.

Apa may not have chosen this path,but it’s one he wouldn’t change,he admits. Especially as he can now make “movies that make people feel good and can definitely help people find a sense of identity,” such as with Prime Video’s new pic, The Map That Leads to You, also starring Madelyn Cline.

Below,Apa opens up about playing a version of himself in The Map That Leads to You,his favorite part about traveling all over Europe for the movie,the impact Riverdale had on his career,fatherhood and his dream movie role.

What initially drew you to the role of Jack in The Map That Leads to You?

I did a movie called The Hate U Give with Amandla Stenberg and Marty Bowen, who was producing that movie, and I stayed in touch with [him]. He sent me this script, must have been about a year ago, and I immediately loved the script. I’d never read the book and I loved it. I was at a point in my life were those themes that we talk about in the movie, especially about God and the universe and all things kind of intertwining together, I resonated a lot with at that point in my life, and still now. And it just read really well,and I am all about movies that make people feel good and can help people find a sense of identity.

KJ Apa on Finding the Present Moment in ‘The map That Leads to You’

In the movie, Jack sort of running from his personal battles and the fear of the unknown, while also trying to enjoy the present moment with himself and Heather (Cline). What would you say to people who can somewhat relate to Jack?

I think we all can relate a little bit, just in the most simplest way. Being constantly bombarded by social media, politics, all of these things that are rushing into our lives at light speed on our phone screens, you know, in conversations with people and stuff like that, and it has a real ability to rob you of the present moment. And this idea of the present moment – how can I be present? How can I stay out of the future and get out of my past and just be in the moment? – is something that’s becoming more and more arduous as time goes on. That was something that I was really interested in at that point in my life because the things that I was going through. That’s part of the reason why it was so attractive to me to do a movie like this, as I knew that it was gonna be going to a certain demographic of people who are very critically important to me, who are my age also, and younger, where hopefully they can be reminded by the most important things in life which are relationships, and the people that you love, and where you’re getting your self-worth from, and your health too.

Your point about being present reminds me of the scene where Jack judges the girl for taking a selfie on the rooftop and Heather calls him out.

That was a tough one. I was trying to justify that too, as an actor[[Laughs].I was like, man, people are gonna hate me for this. It’s such a gnarly scene in terms of just letting people do whatever they want,really,at the end of the day. But that’s where the balance comes in great with the two of them as he got put in his place and he needed. I do believe he was in the wrong there, as as soon as yo

From riverdale to New Beginnings: Cole Sprouse Reflects on His Career

Cole Sprouse recently discussed his transition from the hit series Riverdale to his latest film project, emphasizing the refreshing change of pace and the opportunity to reconnect with early collaborators. He described the experience as “a breath of fresh air,” particularly working again with Lasse, the director of his first movie.

Sprouse acknowledged the important impact Riverdale had on his career, stating, “I’m very aware that that show plays a huge part in me sitting where I am right now.” He expressed gratitude for the platform the show provided and the opportunities it unlocked, remembering the guidance of the late luke Perry, who reminded him of his good fortune. He also reflected on the unique cultural moment Riverdale captured, calling it “iconic” and expressing hope for a future reunion with the cast and character.

The actor shared how being on Riverdale coincided with a period of self-finding and navigating newfound fame, granting him access to experiences and opportunities he wouldn’t have otherwise had. Despite the challenges,Sprouse holds the show and his character,Archie,”with all my heart.”