Riverdale star barely recognisable in trailer for new romance that already has fans 'sobbing'

Daily Mirror

15-07-2025

The Map That Leads to You will hit Prime Video UK this summer and has already sent fans of the novel into a frenzy over the tearjerker trailer
The Map That Leads To You - Official trailer on Amazon Prime
KJ Apa, famed for his role as Archie Andrews in Riverdale, is unrecognisable in the newly released trailer for a captivating romance film set to premiere on Prime Video next month.
Adapted from JP Monninger's novel, the film introduces us to Heather Mulgrew, portrayed by Outer Banks star Madelyn Cline, a young traveller whose life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Apa's enigmatic character, Jack, during her European holiday.
Heather, who's on a quest for self-discovery before embarking on her career in New York City, finds herself swept up in a whirlwind romance with Jack, a man tracing his grandfather's footsteps through a journal.
Their journey ignites a passionate affair as they traverse the picturesque landscapes of Spain, Portugal, and Italy, hinting that their connection might be more than a fleeting summer romance.
Yet, as they delve deeper into their relationship, complexities arise, forcing Heather to choose between her ambitions and what could be the love of her life, reports the Express.
The official synopsis teases: "This chance encounter sparks an unexpected journey of self-discovery.
"As their connection deepens, secrets, life choices, and hidden truths will test their bond-and change Heather's life in ways she never imagined."
Riverdale enthusiasts who've lost touch with Apa's breakthrough series may do a double-take upon seeing the Kiwi actor in this new persona.
Ditching Archie's iconic red locks for a tousled darker mane and sporting some stubble, Apa also sheds the American accent, fully immersing himself in this fresh character.
The forthcoming drama flick, helmed by the director of What's Eating Gilbert Grape, Lasse Hallström, will feature Sofia Wylie from The School for Good and Evil and Ozark's Madison Thompson as Heather's closest friends.
Orlando Norman and Josh Lucas are also set to appear, with the latter known to Yellowstone enthusiasts for his portrayal of a young John Dutton, originally played by Kevin Costner.
With the trailer dropping this Tuesday (15th July), The Map That Leads to You is already stirring excitement among fans, who are bracing themselves for an emotional journey when it hits screens in just over a month.
One eager YouTube user responded: "I'm so beyond excited to finally be able to watch this movie."
Another fan gushed: "The movie looks so beautiful, I can't wait to see this!!!!!"
A third person shared their enthusiasm: "I've missed movies with this vibe, literally so excited."
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Meanwhile, a devotee of the source material confessed on X (formerly Twitter): "Guys who haven't read the map that leads to you don't get why we're already sobbing."
An additional comment came with a caution: "Iv read the book and so I tried to prepare myself but as soon as I saw the trailer and that single tear falling down heathers face I fear I will NEVERR be fully prepared."
They continued: "I'll prob be sobbing in a fetal position for days on end after watching it."
Prime Video might just have one of the biggest tear-jerkers of the year lined up for viewers this summer, promising a poignant European adventure with Heather and Jack.
The Map That Leads to You premieres Wednesday, 20th August on Prime Video.