In celebration of a whole new generation of liars, HBO Max held a bloody red carpet and exclusive screening of Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin.
The upcoming drama, mystery based on the novel series by Sara Shephard follows the lives of a group of teenage girls, Imogen Adams [Bailee Madison], Tabby Hayworth [Chandler Kinney], Mouse Honrada [Malia Pyles], Noa Oliver [Maia Reficco] and Faran Bryant [Zaria] who become friends after receiving messages from a mysterious assailant named “A” that is seeking revenge for something that happened in the past.
Old fans and new gathered at Warner Bros Studios in Los Angeles, California to celebrate the fandom of the Pretty Little Liars Universe as well as screen the series debut episode followed by a Q+A moderated by thee PLL ‘OG,’ Lucy Hale. Guests were also treated to sneak peeks of scenes throughout the series. This production is a true example of women empowerment seeing as both on and off the screen the female presence was strong. “Nine out of ten episodes this season were directed by women which is huge; to have a woman DP (director of photography) and first AD (assistant director). To have that in a show that looks so intimately at trauma and specifically as women to step into those spaces where you’re dealing with mental health and you’re dealing with tragedy and it’s really personal, so we felt really safe and supported in going there,” Zaria stated.
After filming for around nine months in upstate New York, the cast and crew built a sort of family and support system that became visible also on screen. Having dynamic characters that are experiencing generational trauma and figuring out coping mechanisms is quite a real and relatable depiction of the teenage experience. “I believe that this project is in so many ways a microcosm of what Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin is and does. You have these multi-dimensional girls and young women and you’re not looking at them, you’re looking with them and I think that’s really special because you’re able to identify and empathize with these characters,” Chandler expressed.
Following the screening and Q+A, attendees were ushered out onto the WB lot to enjoy an after party filled with delicious grub, music, and goodies to take home. The spirit week themed event had a prom like dance floor as seen in the first episode, a photo booth, and a station where you could personalize your very own jeans jacket. Guests were also able to indulge in pizza, tacos, and ice cream courtesy of Milk. As attendees mingled and danced, “A,” the creepy assailant from the series eerily wandered throughout the party giving many quite a scare.
Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin is set to premiere on July 28, 2022.
