Bella Thorne turned down lead role in 'Scream' series

LOS ANGELES, June 26 (UPI) -- Bella Thorne turned down the lead role in MTV's upcoming Scream series.

The 17-year-old actress explained her decision in an interview with Entertainment Tonight. Thorne had the opportunity to play protagonist Emma Duvall, but will instead be killed in the pilot's opening scene à la Drew Barrymore in the original Scream movie.

"I just couldn't do it," she revealed. "I'm too young to relocate [to Baton Rouge, La., where Scream is filmed]. I love my mom and my brother. Although that sounds very immature, I'm still a kid at heart. I like being at home in my bed and I can't lose my brother just yet. We're best friends."

Wes Craven, who directed all four Scream films, helmed the series pilot, which will premiere June 30. Royal Pains actress Willa Fitzgerald was cast as Emma, and The Killing actress Bex Taylor-Klaus and Bindlestiffs actor John Karna also have roles.

MTV released Thorne's opening scene ahead of the series debut this week. The actress is known for portraying CeCe Jones on Disney sitcom Shake It Up, and is scheduled for Big Sky with Kyra Sedgwick and Amityville: The Reawakening with Jennifer Jason Leigh.