Riverdale star barely recognisable in heartbreaking romance trailer with Outer Banks icon

Riverdale star KJ Apa looks worlds away from Archie Andrews in the first trailer for a sweeping romance film arriving on Prime Video next month.

Based on the novel by JP Monninger, this inspiring love story follows young traveller Heather Mulgrew, played by Outer Banks breakout Madelyn Cline, who crosses paths with Apa's handsome stranger, Jack, while vacationing in Europe.

Looking to find herself on her travels before starting her career in New York City, she's quickly whisked away on an adventure with the mysterious Jack, who's following his grandfather's journal.

Sparks start to fly and they embark on a romantic trek through Spain, Portugal and Italy, suspecting their connection is much more than just a brief fling.

However, their entanglement soon becomes complicated and Heather may have to decide between life in the big city and her greatest chance at true love.

A synopsis reads: "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."

Fans who haven't tuned into Apa's star-making Young Adult drama Riverdale for some time may not recognise the New Zealand actor at first.

Swapping Archie's signature red hair for a darker, messier look, he's also no longer clean-shaven and won't be putting on an American accent for this latest role.

The upcoming drama film, directed by What's Eating Gilbert Grape filmmaker Lasse Hallström, will also star The School for Good and Evil's Sofia Wylie and Ozark star Madison Thompson as Heather's best friends.

Also making appearances are Orlando Norman and Josh Lucas, who Yellowstone fans will know for portraying a younger version of Kevin Costner's character, John Dutton.

Upon the trailer's release this Tuesday (15th July), The Map That Leads to You is already generating hype from fans who have tissues prepared for an emotional rollercoaster when it releases in just over a month's time.

One YouTube user replied: "I'm so beyond excited to finally be able to watch this movie."

Another exclaimed: "The movie looks so beautiful, I can't wait to see this!!!!!"

Someone else commented: "I've missed movies with this vibe, literally so excited."

While a fan of the original novel admitted on X (formerly Twitter): "Guys who haven't read the map that leads to you don't get why we're already sobbing."

And someone else posted a warning: "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 then added: "I'll prob be sobbing in a fetal position for days on end after watching it."

Prime Video could very well have one of the year's biggest weepies in store for streamers this summer, so be prepared for a heart-wrenching Euro-trip with Heather and Jack.

The Map That Leads to You premieres Wednesday, 20th August on Prime Video.