HBO Max's Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin looks to be making a significant change to the menacing "A" compared to the antagonist seen in the first Pretty Little Liars show. The full trailer for Original Sin provides a better look at the sinister figure set to wreak havoc on a new set of characters. Unlike other titles in the Pretty Little Liars franchise, Original Sin was developed by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, who is best known for his work on Riverdale and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.
Original Sin will follow a new generation of "liars" in the town of Millwood who find themselves terrorized by an anonymous figure, "A." Not only will the new group of teens be forced to hide their own secrets, but much of the torment will also stem from an event involving their mothers from the '90s. The original "A" was always a figure closely connected to the core group of friends at the center of Pretty Little Liars, and the same will likely occur in Original Sin. That said, the new show's "A" deviates from the original series' menace.
How Original Sin connects to Pretty Little Liars is a major question heading into the new HBO Max show. The series shares continuity, but it follows a new set of characters in a different setting, implying that "A" will have nothing to do with Aria, Hanna, Spencer, Emily, or Alison from the original show. More importantly, Original Sin's trailer features a better look at "A," showing the mysterious figure wearing a creepy mask reminiscent of a slasher villain in a horror movie. This "A" change proves that Original Sin is set to dive deeper into the horror genre, at least more than the initial Pretty Little Liars series.
How Original Sin's "A" Looks Different Than The PLL Villain
Throughout Pretty Little Liars, "A" commonly wore a black hoodie and dark clothing, which became synonymous with the character. While the identity of "A" changed at times, the villainous costume remained the same for the most part. On special occasions, "A" would sometimes wear other costumes or masks to blend into the surroundings, but the person behind the name never took on a signature face-covering or embraced the role of a slasher. Original Sin, however, seems to be doing just that with their "A."
Original Sin's "A" seems to wear a mask of human skin stitched together, similar to one worn by Texas Chainsaw Massacre's Leatherface. The mask also has long human hair attached, but it's unclear if it's from a victim. As for "A" victims, the villain wastes no time, seemingly killing during the school dance before texting the girls, "On down. Five to go." The rest of the Original Sin trailer then shows "A" stalking the rest of the girls, including being brazen enough to return to do so during a school assembly in the gym.
Angela Waters might be a name to remember based on a death that happened in the '90s, but for now, the identity of "A" is anyone's guess. If one thing is for certain, it's that the "A" in Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin will be much more dangerous than the "A" from the first show. This spinoff promises more blood and deadlier stakes by diving deeper into the darker tone. This could become a welcome change for those who always hoped Pretty Little Liars would lean more into the horror vibe.
Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin premieres July 28, 2022, on HBO Max.