Candice King Opens Up About Her Powerful New Role in Recent Prime Video UK Show “We Were Liars”
Candice King, best known for her role in The Vampire Diaries, opens up about her latest series, We Were Liars. The show, now streaming on Prime Video UK, is based on E. Lockhart’s bestselling novel. Although it’s not supernatural like The Vampire Diaries, it still holds deep drama and intense family secrets, something fans of her past work will surely enjoy.
In We Were Liars, Candice plays Bess Sinclair, one of three sisters involved in a complicated family drama. The story takes place over several summers on a private island, blending mystery, love, and family conflict. Alongside Caitlin FitzGerald (Penny) and Mamie Gummer (Carrie), Candice’s character navigates the challenges of dealing with their parents’ estate and managing their children’s lives.
A Natural Fit for the Role
Candice explains that stepping into this role felt natural because the characters are already well-developed in the book.
“There wasn’t much I had to add,” she says. “These women have full stories, real struggles, and layered emotions. That made it easy for us to bring them to life.”
We Were Liars stays true to the original book while also pulling elements from its prequel, Family of Liars. According to Candice, having author E. Lockhart on set helped the cast stay aligned with the story’s vision. Lockhart even wrote the final episode, making sure the adaptation stayed authentic.
From Vampire Diaries to We Were Liars
Though the two shows are very different, both explore deep emotional connections and the idea of blood, whether it’s family or something darker. Candice acknowledges the similarities in how both stories focus on personal bonds, love, and heartbreak.
Candice also felt right at home working with Carina Adly MacKenzie, who wrote for The Originals, a spin-off of The Vampire Diaries. Candice praises MacKenzie’s storytelling: “She knows how to build characters you fall in love with, even their flaws. That’s what makes the show so addictive.”
Off-Screen Bonding Made On-Screen Magic
While filming in Nova Scotia, Candice and her co-stars found common ground off-screen. All three women are moms, and they quickly bonded over the challenges of parenting while working. One of their first shared outings? A trip to Walmart to stock up on toys for their kids.
“That trip helped us bond fast,” Candice laughs. “We talked in the car and shared our struggles. It felt like instant therapy. That closeness really helped us become believable sisters on screen.”
Playing a Mother on TV — and in Real Life
Candice says playing a mom to a teenager, especially one with strong emotions, reminded her how intense teen years can be. She shared scenes with Esther McGregor, who plays her daughter. “Esther brings so much joy to the set,” Candice says. “It was hard to act tough with her because she’s just so lovable. After each intense scene, I’d remind her, ‘I’m actually nice, I swear!’”
Last year marked the 15th anniversary of The Vampire Diaries, a show that launched Candice’s career. Looking back, she feels grateful. “Watching my old audition tape made me emotional,” she says. “That role changed everything for me.”
Even now, fans continue to watch and rewatch the series. “People tell me they’ve seen the show eight or nine times. It’s their comfort show, even with all the vampires and chaos!”
Candice also shared some personal news, her engagement to actor Steven Krueger, known for his role in Yellowjackets and The Originals. “We never worked together on The Originals, but now we’re celebrating so much,” she says. “His show just launched, and We Were Liars came out. It’s been a joyful few months.”
We Were Liars combines mystery, emotion, and strong characters, perfect for fans of The Vampire Diaries looking for a new binge. With a stellar cast and rich storytelling, it’s a show worth watching. All episodes are now available on Prime Video.