Madelaine Petsch didn’t just survive seven years of neon-lit teen drama in British Columbia; she basically ran the place. If you spent any time on the internet between 2017 and 2023, you know Cheryl Blossom. The red hair, the spider brooches, the arch dialogue—it was a lot. But honestly, the transition from a CW staple to a legitimate scream queen and producer is a pivot most actors fumble. Madelaine didn't.
She's currently headlining a massive horror trilogy while executive producing her own indie projects. It's a specific kind of grind. Most people still associate her with the high school hallways of Riverdale, but if you look at the trajectory of Madelaine Petsch movies and tv shows, there is a very deliberate move toward gritty survivalism and psychological tension.
The Riverdale Era and the Red Hair Monopoly
You can't talk about her career without acknowledging the 137 episodes of Riverdale. It was her breakout. Period. Cast in 2016, she played Cheryl Blossom with a campy intensity that kept the show grounded even when the plot involved organ-harvesting cults or time travel.
It wasn't just acting, though. She used that platform to build a massive YouTube presence. It was a smart move. While other actors were trying to be "mysterious" movie stars, she was showing her vegan recipes and behind-the-scenes trailer life to millions. It made her feel accessible, which is ironic considering her most famous character was a borderline-villainous heiress.
Stepping Into the Horror Spotlight
Horror has always been her "thing." Even back in 2019, she did Polaroid. It was a standard teen slasher, but she had presence. Then came Sightless in 2020. She played Ellen Ashland, a violinist who becomes blind after an attack. She actually co-produced that one. It was a signal. She wasn't just looking for a paycheck; she wanted a seat at the production table.
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But the real gamble started in 2022.
Director Renny Harlin (the guy behind Die Hard 2) decided to film an entire trilogy of The Strangers back-to-back-to-back. Madelaine was cast as Maya. They spent 52 days in Slovakia shooting all three films at once. Think about the continuity nightmare of that. One morning she’s filming a scene for Chapter 1, and by the afternoon, she’s covered in fake blood for Chapter 3.
- The Strangers: Chapter 1 (2024): This was the setup. A road trip gone wrong. Classic home invasion vibes. It did solid numbers, grossing about $48 million.
- The Strangers: Chapter 2 (2025): Released in September, this one upped the ante. Maya is still alive, and the masked killers are relentless.
- The Strangers: Chapter 3 (2026): This is the big finale hitting theaters on February 6, 2026.
The buzz around Chapter 3 is weirdly different. Petsch has mentioned in recent interviews that this final installment goes into "territory I never thought a horror movie could go." There’s a rumor that the line between protagonist and antagonist gets real blurry.
Producing the Next Phase
Besides the big studio horror stuff, she's digging into smaller, more personal films. Jane (2022) was a big one for her. She played Olivia, a high-achieving student spiraling after the death of a friend. She produced this too. It dealt with social media anxiety in a way that felt actually authentic, probably because she’s lived it.
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Then there’s Maintenance Required. She plays Charlie in this one, and it just hit Prime Video late in 2025. Again, she’s the executive producer. This isn’t a coincidence. She’s clearly trying to control her own narrative rather than waiting for a casting director to call.
What's Actually on Her Resume?
If you're looking for a quick rundown of the essential Madelaine Petsch movies and tv shows, here is the "non-fluff" list of what actually matters in her filmography:
- Riverdale (2017–2023): The foundation. She played Cheryl Blossom (and about five other Blossom ancestors).
- The Strangers Trilogy (2024–2026): Her definitive move into the "Final Girl" hall of fame.
- About Fate (2022): A rare rom-com appearance alongside Emma Roberts. She plays Clementine. It’s light, cute, and a total 180 from being chased by killers.
- Hotel for the Holidays (2022): A Christmas movie. Yeah, she did one. It’s on Amazon Freevee.
- The Simpsons (2020): She voiced a character named Sloan. Kind of a "you made it" moment in pop culture.
- Sightless (2020): A Netflix thriller that proved she could carry a movie basically on her own in a single location.
The Strategy Behind the Scenes
Petsch is 31 now. She’s in that transition phase where the "teen" roles are officially over. By leaning into horror and production, she’s avoiding the "post-CW slump" that hits a lot of her peers. She’s also still very active with brands—Fabletics, sunglasses with Privé Revaux—but the acting work is getting heavier.
Her South African roots (both her parents are from there) and her upbringing in Washington state give her a bit of a grounded perspective. She’s famously vegan and very vocal about animal rights, which she often ties into her YouTube content. It’s all part of the "Madelaine brand" that keeps her relevant even when she doesn't have a show on the air every week.
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What's Coming Next?
With The Strangers: Chapter 3 releasing in February 2026, the big question is where she goes after horror. She’s proven she can handle the physical and emotional toll of a slasher franchise. There are whispers of her moving toward more prestige television or perhaps a darker, A24-style psychological drama.
Honestly? Keep an eye on her production credits. That’s where the real moves are happening. If you want to see the best of her work right now, start with The Strangers: Chapter 1 to see the survivalist turn, then go back to the early seasons of Riverdale to remember why she became a star in the first place.
If you're planning a Madelaine Petsch marathon, start with Sightless for the tension, then hit About Fate for a palate cleanser before diving into the full Strangers trilogy. Just maybe don't watch the horror ones alone at night.
What to do next:
Check out the trailer for The Strangers: Chapter 3 to see the conclusion of Maya's story, or stream Maintenance Required on Prime Video to see her latest work as both a lead actress and executive producer.