Behind the Curtain: Shocking Facts About PLL Casting You Won’t Believe!

When Pretty Little Liars (PLL) first aired in 2010, it wasn’t just another teen drama — it became a cultural phenomenon. Fans were immediately captivated by the intricate storylines, jaw-dropping twists, and, of course, the iconic characters. But have you ever wondered how those characters came to life? The process of PLL casting was anything but ordinary, filled with surprising stories, near misses, and moments that would change the lives of its cast forever.

In this blog, we’re pulling back the curtain on the PLL casting process and uncovering the secrets behind how the stars of this beloved series landed their roles. Buckle up — you won’t believe what went on behind the scenes!

The Beginnings of PLL Casting: A Search for Perfection

Before Pretty Little Liars became the juggernaut we know today, it was just another promising project based on Sara Shepard’s book series. Warner Horizon Television and Alloy Entertainment had high hopes, but everything hinged on finding the perfect cast. With so many complex characters — each with distinct personalities and secrets — the PLL casting team had their work cut out for them.

The creators, Marlene King and I. Marlene King, insisted that the cast not only resemble the book descriptions but also have incredible on-screen chemistry. A show like this needed more than just good actors; it required a cast that could seamlessly embody the web of lies, friendships, and betrayals at the heart of Rosewood.

Casting the Core Four: The Faces of PLL

The most critical part of the PLL casting process was finding the core four — Aria Montgomery, Spencer Hastings, Hanna Marin, and Emily Fields. Here’s how it all unfolded:

Lucy Hale as Aria Montgomery

Lucy Hale was no stranger to Hollywood when she auditioned for Pretty Little Liars. Known for her roles in Privileged and American Juniors, Lucy’s audition immediately stood out. She perfectly captured Aria’s mix of mystery and vulnerability.

However, what many fans don’t know is that Lucy initially auditioned for Spencer Hastings! While she impressed the casting directors, they felt her energy was better suited for Aria. This switch turned out to be the perfect decision, as Lucy’s portrayal of Aria became iconic.

Troian Bellisario as Spencer Hastings

Unlike Lucy Hale, Troian Bellisario faced stiff competition for the role of Spencer Hastings. Coming from a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry, Troian had both the talent and the pedigree.

Her audition showcased her ability to embody Spencer’s intelligence, ambition, and inner turmoil. Interestingly, Troian was considered “too perfect” for the role at first, and producers worried she might overshadow the other characters. Thankfully, they realized her brilliance and gave her the role.

Ashley Benson as Hanna Marin

Ashley Benson was already making waves in the industry before PLL casting began, but landing the role of Hanna Marin was no easy feat. Hanna’s character required someone who could balance confidence and vulnerability, and Ashley nailed it.

During her chemistry read, Ashley reportedly blew the producers away with her ability to switch between comedic timing and emotional depth. She even improvised a few lines that ended up influencing Hanna’s character in the show.

Shay Mitchell as Emily Fields

The casting of Emily Fields brought a much-needed element of diversity to the show. Shay Mitchell, a Canadian actress with Filipino roots, was an unconventional choice at the time.

Shay’s road to PLL casting wasn’t smooth — she faced multiple rejections before finally being called back for Emily’s role. The casting directors were struck by her authenticity and emotional connection to the character.

Supporting Cast: Fan Favorites and Scene Stealers

While the core four were central to the PLL casting process, the supporting cast played an equally important role in making the show a success.

Janel Parrish as Mona Vanderwaal

Janel Parrish was a scene-stealer from the moment she appeared on-screen as Mona Vanderwaal. What’s fascinating is that Janel initially auditioned for Spencer Hastings! While she didn’t land that role, the casting directors were so impressed that they kept her in mind for Mona.

Sasha Pieterse as Alison DiLaurentis

One of the most shocking facts about PLL casting is that Sasha Pieterse was only 13 years old when she was cast as Alison DiLaurentis. Despite her age, Sasha brought a maturity and mystery to the role that left producers speechless.

Sasha’s young age added an extra layer of intrigue to Alison’s character, making her the ultimate queen bee with an air of vulnerability.

Ian Harding as Ezra Fitz

Ian Harding’s casting as Ezra Fitz was a stroke of genius. The producers were looking for someone who could exude charm and intellect while also harboring a few secrets. Ian’s audition was so compelling that they offered him the role almost immediately.

Casting Near Misses and What Could Have Been

The PLL casting process wasn’t without its drama. Several actors auditioned for multiple roles, and some even came close to landing iconic parts:

Tammin Sursok, who later played Jenna Marshall, originally auditioned for one of the core four roles.
Nina Dobrev was rumored to have been considered for a role but ultimately went on to star in The Vampire Diaries.

Behind-the-Scenes Drama During PLL Casting

While the final cast seemed perfect, the road to assembling the Pretty Little Liars ensemble wasn’t always smooth. Some actors faced intense scrutiny during chemistry tests, and there were moments when producers doubted their choices.

One notable moment of behind-the-scenes drama involved a last-minute recast. An actor initially cast in a supporting role was replaced just days before filming began