Riverdale season 5 will incorporate star Vanessa Morgan’s real-life pregnancy into the upcoming instalment’s plot. Morgan has played Toni Topaz since Riverdale season 2 until her character was promoted to series regular in season 3. In July 2020, the actress announced her pregnancy, spreading rumors of her leaving the show in season 5. The issue was soon clarified when Morgan confirmed that she would continue to reprise her role for the new season. Now, her situation was further brought into light with the series creators writing her pregnancy on screen.
Morgan took to social media to announce that her real-life pregnancy has been written in the upcoming season’s storyline. In an Instagram post, she confirmed the news and expressed her gratitude toward the staff for adjusting to her situation.
“Officially on maternity leave!!!! Ahh!! Feeling grateful to my showrunner & producers for being so accommodating & writing my pregnancy into the show!,” the actress wrote.
“Also proud of my body for allowing me to still work almost 9 months preggo. Now time to have a baby! lol Happy Holidays everyone,” she ended the post.
Earlier this year, Morgan made headlines for expressing her contempt over Riverdale’s treatment of minority characters and actors. The actress revealed that she was paid the least and that her character merely existed as support to the main white characters. However, the issue looks sorted out already as Morgan even thanked showrunner Aguirre-Sacasa for being so accommodating to her.
Aguirre-Sacasa returned the appreciation through a comment he left with her post. He said, “Lady, you were a champ!!! Excited for our first Riverbaby!!!!!”
How did Toni end up pregnant in Riverdale season 5?
Toni (Morgan) first appeared in Riverdale as a Southside High student who would cause tensions in Jughead (Cole Sprouse) and Betty’s (Lili Reinhart) relationship. However, she ended up dating Cheryl Blossom (Madelaine Petsch) instead. In season 3, after being ousted from the Southside Serpents, Toni forms an all-girl gang called Pretty Poisons with Cheryl. Later in season 4, she helps Kevin (Casey Cott) win his spot back in the Variety Show.
As of the moment, it is unsure how Toni’s pregnancy will play out in the latest instalment. In addition, the identity of the man whose child Toni is bearing remains to be seen. Since season 5 involves a seven-year time jump, it is likely that Toni will only be shown pregnant after that. Consequently, the mystery involving the identity of her child’s father might then be resolved.
On the other hand, Toni’s pregnancy also means that she might not end up with Cheryl after the leap. However, that is something that fans will have to wait to truly confirm. Nevertheless, with Morgan’s maternity break, fans can expect to see less of Toni in season 5. Riverdale season 5 premieres January 20, 2021 on the CW. Watch its trailer below.