Following the success of its hit YA adaptation The Summer I Turned Pretty, Prime Video is set to bring another beloved novel to life in 2025 with We Were Liars. Originally published in 2014 by E. Lockhart, this gripping psychological drama is packed with suspense, and with its prequel, Family of Liars, there’s already potential for a follow-up season.
Interested in becoming part of the We Were Liars cast? Whether you’re looking for audition tips or insight into the casting process, we’ve got everything you need to know about landing a role in this highly anticipated series.
What is the topic of “We Were Liars”?
In We Were Liars, the Sinclair family retreats to their private Beechwood Island near Martha’s Vineyard every summer. At the heart of the story is Cadence, who spends her vacations there with her cousins Johnny and Mirren, along with Gat, the nephew of her aunt’s partner. Together, they are nicknamed “The Liars.”
At 15, Cadence suffers a traumatic head injury that wipes away her memories of that summer. The next year, her mother, Penny, forbids her from returning to the island. But when she finally goes back at 17, the gaps in her memory still haunt her. As she pieces together the events of that fateful summer, she must confront long-buried secrets and the guilt that lingers beneath the surface.
Who makes up the “We Were Liars” cast?
The cast of “We Were Liars” in Season 1 includes:
- As Cadence Sinclair Eastman, Emily Alyn Lind
- Brady Droulis as Dennis Will Sinclair
- Mirren Sinclair Sheffield, played by Esther McGregor
- As Tipper Sinclair, Wendy Crewson played
- Harris Sinclair, portrayed by David Morse
- Penny Sinclair Eastman, played by Caitlin FitzGerald
- As Bess Sinclair Sheffield, Candice King
- As Ed, Rahul Kohli
- Carrie Sinclair Dennis, played by Mamie Gummer
- Dennis Johnny Sinclair, played by Joseph Zada
- Gat Patil, played by Shubham Maheshwari
- Bonnie Sinclair Sheffield, played by Emerson MacNeil
- The role of Young Mirren by Nikita Goold
- Young Gat, played by Leandro Vigueras
- Liberty Sinclair Sheffield, played by Manaia Wall
- Brody Sheffield, played by Dylan Bruce
- Young Cadence, played by Raewynn Martel
Who is the “We Were Liars” casting director?
Deanna Brigidi (“Shotgun Wedding”) and Andrea Bunker (“Big Little Lies”) are the lead casting directors for Season 1 of We Were Liars. However, showrunners Julie Plec and Carina Adly MacKenzie were also actively involved in the casting process.
Plec, known for adapting The Vampire Diaries for the CW, understands the challenges of translating a book into a compelling on-screen story. Speaking with Deadline, she emphasized the importance of creative flexibility, stating, “Anytime you’re adapting something, you have to give yourself certain freedoms in order to tell the best version of the story that you want to tell.” This means that even if an actor doesn’t perfectly match a character’s description in the book, they shouldn’t hesitate to audition—sometimes, the right energy or unique qualities can convince casting directors and creators to take a chance on something unexpected.
What is the “We Were Liars” casting procedure like?
Casting a pilot isn’t as straightforward as it may seem, according to Plec. She explained to Deadline that without fully developed voices for the characters in mind, finding the perfect actor can be a challenge. “For me personally, casting is difficult,” she admitted. “Sometimes, someone walks in and delivers a reading exactly as you imagined it in your head—that’s an amazing moment. But more often, it’s about adjusting your perception of the character’s voice and balancing that with the unique energy each actor brings to the role.”
Having previously collaborated with Candice King on The Vampire Diaries, where she portrayed Caroline Forbes, Plec and MacKenzie were eager to work with her again. “From the start, we wrote Bess with Candice’s voice in mind,” Plec revealed. “At first, we worried she might be too young for the role and doubted whether we could get her cast. But then we realized none of that mattered.
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Candice has this incredible mix of youthful vibrance and a deeply mature, maternal soul. We knew she could handle it, so we pushed for her and braced ourselves for a fight if needed. Turns out, no one objected—everyone thought it was a fantastic idea, and all our worries were for nothing.”
Plec firmly believes that this role is the perfect next step for King. “If Caroline Forbes was the role she was born to play, then Bess Sinclair is the one she was always meant to take on next,” she said. “They’re like kindred spirits, just generations apart.”
When does “We Were Liars” Season 2 filming begin?
Plec revealed to Deadline that filming was nearly complete as of September 2024, but she also hinted that the story naturally paves the way for a second season. “I think fans of the book will be thrilled because we’ve captured all the key moments and emotional beats while also expanding the world in new and exciting ways,” she shared.
“We’ve added layers of depth to the adult characters, making them more complex and multidimensional, all while setting up Season 2. If all goes as planned, the next chapter will delve deeper into the mothers’ lives and introduce another generation into the narrative.”
While the series has yet to receive an official renewal, Plec pointed out that “Amazon has been very clear about its commitment to serving its YA audience.” Stay tuned for further updates.
Where are casting calls and auditions for “We Were Liars” held?
As of now, Prime Video has yet to announce a renewal for We Were Liars. However, given the possibility of multiple seasons, new casting opportunities may arise down the line.
What are the best ways to ace an audition for a “We Were Liars” role?
Success takes dedication. FitzGerald discovered her passion for acting at just six years old, but that didn’t mean her path was free of challenges. “I did a school play and not only memorized my lines—I knew everyone else’s, too. It was basically a one-woman show with 17 kindergarteners,” she recalled. “That moment made it clear to me.”
Still, she emphasized the importance of perseverance. “It’s a marathon, not a sprint. So many young actors believe that if they’re not instantly brilliant, they’re not meant for this. But that idea of overnight success is dangerous. Almost everyone who makes it in this industry spends years honing their craft. If you want a lasting career, you have to commit to training and putting in the work.”
At the end of the day, she explained, “Technique is always in your mind, but what truly keeps us going are those rare, magical moments where we’re fully present. Everything else? That’s just the struggle in between.”
Explore the world around you. When Morse was starting his career, he co-founded the Boston Rep theater company, an experience that allowed him to take on multiple roles within the industry. “We made it work by wearing many hats.
I handled graphics, advertising, newspaper promotions, posters—pretty much everything,” Morse recalled. “So when I transitioned to film, where unions handle those tasks, it felt odd not to be setting up lights, doing my own makeup, or handling other behind-the-scenes work.”
This hands-on experience gave him a deep appreciation for every aspect of production, regardless of the medium. “Whether you’re a writer, producer, or in any creative role, understanding the broader industry makes you more effective and helps you respect the contributions of those around you,” he said.
Find what works best for you. While not everyone has control over how they audition, Lind prefers self-taping whenever possible. She prioritizes what makes her feel comfortable. “I enjoy taping auditions. I don’t love in-person audition rooms if I can avoid them,” she shared with Glamour. “People often assumed I was older than I actually was, which made it harder to be cast in age-appropriate roles. Self-tapes help me present myself in the right way and avoid those misconceptions.”
Lind shared that she has personal rituals that help her feel confident and mentally prepared. “There are a few shirts I always reach for before auditions because, in the past, I noticed I booked roles whenever I wore them,” she explained. “And when it comes to pre-audition fuel, I swear by avocado rolls paired with kombucha or coconut water. It’s my go-to routine every time.”
Embracing failure—and bouncing back—became a lesson Gummer took to heart, though it wasn’t easy at first. “I finally started listening to the advice everyone gives,” she admitted. “Auditions aren’t just about getting the part—they’re a chance to experiment, take risks, and have fun.” Like every actor, she faced rejection and dry spells, but she learned that resilience is key. “Sure, you might fail spectacularly. But so what? You’ve done it before. And the next time you wonder, What if I fall on my face? You’ll realize, Well, I already have—and I survived.”
She went on to say, “Actors aren’t like dancers perfecting their technique at the barre every day or singers running scales religiously. Sometimes we’re serious, and sometimes we’re not. We live, we drink, we experience everything we can—which is exactly how it should be. You have to get hurt, find joy, and stay completely open to whatever comes your way.”
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