Executive Producer and writer Marlene King was there when the Pretty Little Liars’ TV journey began, and she was there last week as the producers and cast attended a special event at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery where their network, Freeform, launched Dead of Summer and featured PLL in a special Q&A session.
Before the event, we spoke with Marlene King about what we can expect when Season 7 of the series premieres this Tuesday, June 21.
KSITETV’s CRAIG BYRNE: When you started this journey, did you think you’d be breaking the Season 7 premiere six years later?
MARLENE KING: No. I always thought this would be – if we were lucky – five seasons; that it was going to be a five season show, so getting to have these extra years, and getting to do this time jump with the girls, and exploring their grown-up Liar selves, has been surprising and fun.
Has there been any character that caught you by such surprise that it completely changed your plans?
Definitely the character of Toby. [Keegan Allen] brought so much soul to that character. Originally we were thinking about killing him like Sara Shepard did in the books, but then we fell so in love with him we were like “we can’t do that.” So, he’s a keeper.
What can you say about the season premiere. It’s called “Tick-Tock Bitches,” am I right?
Yes. It’s called “Tick-Tock, Bitches!” We start the show with a clock ticking. There’s a very urgent mystery at hand that the PLL’s and their “bed buddies” all of them all have to rally together, with Mona’s help, to save Hanna.
Might we see some familiar faces coming back this year?
As many as we can get! I have been making the calls, and since we were on hiatus, talking to our co-stars from the past, and grabbing them when we can and bringing them back on to the show.
What excites the most for fans to see when the season premieres?
I think just with the level of intensity we’re telling the stories, it’s going to be a lot of fun.
The Pretty Little Liars Season 7 premiere airs this Tuesday, June 21 on Freeform. Keep your eyes open to KSiteTV for more interviews as they are posted! Some photos from the PLL/Dead of Summer premiere event can be found below.
