Uglies Movie Unveiled: Joey King’s Adaptation, Cast & Trailer Revealed!
Joey King has been on an extraordinary journey to bring her vision of Tally Youngblood to life in the much-anticipated film Uglies. Can you believe it? She’s been dreaming about this role since she was just 11 years old! In her own words, “The excitement has been constant since day one,” she shared with Netflix, and honestly, who wouldn’t be thrilled?
The spark ignited on a day when young Joey found herself home sick from school. That’s when her older sister handed her a copy of Scott Westerfeld’s groundbreaking novel Uglies, urging her to read the first chapter with a challenge: “If you don’t like it, you can stop.” Well, hold onto your seats—because Joey was hooked! “I just knew I wanted to play Tally someday,” she reminisced, but she didn’t stop there. Not only did she take on the lead role, but she also stepped up as an executive producer, guiding this cinematic journey from page to screen.
Welcome to a world where perception is everything. In this gripping dystopia, when you turn 16, society grants you the chance to undergo surgery to achieve your ideal look. “It’s all about eliminating conflict by ensuring everyone looks perfect,” director McG explained. But hold on! Tally’s story takes an unexpected turn as she finds herself embroiled in a rebellion against this so-called perfect society. Buckle up, because the first trailer is out, and it’s just a taste of the thrilling ride that awaits you in Uglies.
What is Uglies about?
In a future where cosmetic surgery is the norm at 16, eager Tally longs to conform. But when a friend disappears, she embarks on a life-altering quest to rescue her, challenging everything she believed she wanted.
Originally published in 2005, Uglies resonates now more than ever. “The timing couldn’t be more relevant,” Joey passionately stated.
And McG echoes her sentiment: “This film is about inner beauty,” he explained. “It reflects our current reality, where social media filters create a warped sense of perfection. We want to inspire people to embrace their true selves and appreciate others for who they are. It’s a liberating way to live.”
With a fun twist, Westerfeld emphasizes that, while set in a dystopian future, Uglies is brimming with characters who embrace joy amidst adversity. “The ‘uglies’ pull pranks, cruise on hoverboards, and dive off buildings in bungee jackets!” he exclaimed, emphasizing the spirit of fun McG brings to the adaptation.
When will Uglies be streaming on Netflix?
Uglies is officially streaming on Netflix, ready for you to dive in and binge!
Joey King Takes You Behind The Scenes of Uglies
Who’s in the cast of Uglies?
The star-studded cast of Uglies features:
For Chase Stokes, who portrays Tally’s best friend Peris, this role is a transformative experience. “Peris is a kaleidoscope of characters as we watch him evolve throughout the film,” Stokes reflected. “It mirrors the growing pains of finding ourselves in unfamiliar spaces, but with your heart in the game, you can always find your way back home.”
Is Uglies based on a book?
Absolutely! Uglies is inspired by Scott Westerfeld’s famed 2005 novel (Westerfeld also penned Leviathan, which is getting its own Netflix anime treatment).
Producer Jordan Davis has a special connection to the story. “My daughter Catherine and I bonded over Scott Westerfeld’s Uglies when she was in school—it sparked important conversations about body image, individuality, and friendship,” she shared.
To ensure authenticity, Westerfeld took on the role of executive producer, working closely with the creative team. He fondly remembers meeting McG on set, where the director held a copy of Uglies brimming with notes. “I could see McG truly cared about the story and its intricate details,” Westerfeld recalled, feeling reassured that he was in good hands.
“Scott was an invaluable collaborator throughout this process, ensuring we honored the book,” McG noted. And guess what? Westerfeld even makes a cameo in the film—keep your eyes peeled for his appearance!
What happens at the end of Uglies?
This section contains major character or plot details.
The climax of Uglies hits hard: Tally, now part of the Smokies’ resistance, makes a heart-wrenching choice to return to Dr. Cable’s grasp. But this isn’t a selfish act; it’s a poignant sacrifice. Through her experiences with the Smokies, she discovers that becoming a Pretty comes with a dark twist—brainwashing.
As the film wraps up, Tally’s journey seems to falter: the rebel cause hangs by a thread, her friend Peris is lost, and the Smokies face peril. With everything at stake, Tally makes a bold sacrifice, agreeing to become a Pretty, which ultimately serves as an undercover operation to free her friends.
In her final moments, Tally, filled with resolve, declares, “I’m Tally Youngblood. Make me Pretty.” But the film doesn’t just follow the original novel; it offers a glimpse into Tally’s future as a Pretty, complete with a striking reminder of her past—a scar on her palm that connects her back to Peris. This symbolizes the beauty in our imperfections. “We’re not Uglies,” King emphasized. “We’re not Pretties. We’re simply human.”
