HBO Max shows off a first glimpse of Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, the sequel series to the original Pretty Little Liars, in a new compilation video. The series was announced to be in development in September 2020, just a year after the previous spin-off, The Perfectionists, was canceled. It has also been confirmed that Riverdale creator Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa is at the helm of development, taking over from I. Marlene King, who previously created all previous shows within the Pretty Little Liars universe.
While the spin-off was initially labeled as a reboot, it will be set within the same universe as the previous installments, taking place in the oddly familiar town of Millwood with a brand new set of characters as they become the victims of a new generation of "A." The series features a star-studded cast including Chandler Kinney, Maia Reficco, Bailee Madison, Zaria, Malia Pyles, Alex Aiono, Mallory Bechtel, and Eric Johnson, all appearing in a starring capacity. The series will premiere on HBO Max in 2022.
HBO Max debuted the first footage from Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin in a video featuring all of the network's upcoming projects, including Euphoria, The Flight Attendant, and Barry. The short teaser showcases the five main characters, Tabby, Noa, Imogen, Faran, and Minnie, strutting into what appears to be a school dance together. Afterward, Imogen can be seen wearing a prom queen crown while smiling out at a crowd. Watch the new footage and various announcements in the full video below:
As previously mentioned, the Pretty Little Liars franchise has had multiple attempts at expansion in the past through various spin-offs that never seemed to manage to make it past the first season. Initially, Ravenswood was a spin-off that was set in the fictional town of the same name, starring original Pretty Little Liars character Caleb Rivers. However, this show was quickly canceled just ten days after finishing its final episode. Several years later, Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists aired two years after the original series had finished its run, however, this was also canceled due to low ratings.
With this new footage surfacing, it only brings the idea of continuing the Pretty Little Liars universe into reality, all the while showcasing the brand new tone and atmosphere that this new direction will bring to the overall story. Furthermore, being under new direction can possibly give this spin-off some hope for surviving past only a single season run, with Aguirre-Sacasa being able to bring over some of his Riverdale charms. Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists will be available for fans to stream on HBO Max in 2022.
Source: HBO Max