It is one of the questions undoubtedly on the minds of many Pretty Little Liars fans: Will the stars of the original series return for its spinoff, The Perfectionists? Maybe, but there is a significant catch. Sasha Pieterse, who has starred on both series, explained:
I think Ashley [Benson] and Troian [Bellisario] are going to try to direct next season, which would be amazing, if we get a next season. We love to have whoever on the show, whoever wants to join us.
It sounds like the actresses who played Hanna and Spencer will not be making an on-screen return. Sasha Pieterse told ET that her former Pretty Little Liars co-stars would make their way to The Perfectionists via behind-the-scenes work. The pair are apparently interested in directing episodes of the series. That is if The Perfectionists gets renewed for Season 2.
Considering the nature of this update; fans should not expect an in-the-flesh recap of Toby and Spencer’s current relationship status. Or Hanna to return with Caleb to show off their baby. The good news is fans have gotten updates on the characters via some revealing dialogue.
Why was the cast not able to have more to do with The Perfectionists' debut season? The actresses’ busy schedules. Sasha Pieterse explained the behind-the-scenes situation that led to the cast not being able to participate, saying:
Everyone is so busy, which is such a blessing for everybody. I'm so happy for our cast and our crew. We've just always been supportive of each other... but that has been our biggest challenge is scheduling. Troian had a baby, she couldn't direct our first season.
It has been a busy time for the Pretty Little Liars stars. Troian Bellisario welcomed a baby daughter with her husband, Patrick J. Adams, since the long-running series ended on Freeform, per his Instagram. So, lots of joy-filled excitement happening for her.
Ashley Benson -- whom Sasha Pieterse also mentioned potentially taking on directing duty on The Perfectionists -- is still acting. She starred in the 2018 musical drama Her Smell with Mad Men’s Elisabeth Moss and Legion’s Dan Stevens.
The Pretty Little Liars cast has not slowed down since the series came to an end. Sasha Pieterse and Janel Parrish, two of the original stars are both prominently featured on the spinoff. Meanwhile, Shay Mitchell starred in the first season of the Netflix hit You in the pivotal role of Peach Salinger.
Lucy Hale starred in the one-season CW series, Life Sentence. She has since signed on to lead the Riverdale spinoff, Katy Keene. Hale will take on the title role for the series.
Fans wanting an update on the actress’ characters will have to listen carefully. So far, The Perfectionists has given fans a lot of insight into what the Liars are up to these days. Some of it has involved breakups and for one, a new marriage.
Having Hanna and Spencer back would be exciting. Maybe someday. A lot has been happening in their lives off-screen. For now, this fan is content with the fact the characters are happy. Coming to The Perfectionists could only tempt fate at messing with that. No dramatic turn goes unpunished on Pretty Little Liars.
New episode of Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists air Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET on Freeform.
