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Joey King’s Dream Role: Bringing ‘Uglies’ to Life

For those who aren’t fans of Scott Westerfeld’s book, Netflix’s first trailer for Uglies does a terrific job of establishing the world the film’s set in. But for the film’s star Joey King, no such introduction was necessary.

Joey King has been a fan of Westerfeld’s bestselling book since she was 11 years old. She credits her sister with introducing her to the book when she was home sick from school. “She was like, ‘Just read the first chapter and if you don’t wanna continue, then you don’t have to,’” said King in an interview with Tudum. After reading it, King decided that one day she’d play Tally Youngblood. Her dream came true with the Netflix film directed by McG.

The cast also includes Keith Powers, Chase Stokes, Brianne Tju, Jan Luis Castellanos, Charmin Lee, and Laverne Cox. Jacob Forman, Vanessa Taylor, and Whit Anderson adapted Westerfeld’s novel, with the author, Joey King, Jamie King, John Fox, and Jenny Hink executive producing. Producers include McG, John Davis, Jordan Davis, Robyn Meisinger, and Mary Viola.

Chase Stokes as Peris and Joey King as Tally in UGLIES (Photo Courtesy of Netflix)

“In a futuristic world that imposes a cosmetic surgery at 16, Tally is eager for her turn to join the rest of society,” reads Netflix’s synopsis. “But when a friend runs away, Tally embarks on a journey to save her that upends everything she thought she wanted.”

Uglies premieres on Netflix on September 13, 2024.

“The film’s really about beauty as interior,” explained McG to Tudum. “It’s a commentary on what we’re experiencing today, where so many people can’t just take a photograph and post it on social media. You’ve got to put it through the filter, you’ve got to edit it, you’ve got to do the thing to present this idealized version of beauty. And this is a moment to say, ‘Take a deep breath, work on your inner game, love people for who they are, and accept yourself for who you are,’ and strangely, it’s a much more fruitful way to live.”



This post was last modified on August 9, 2024 12:02 am

Rebecca Murray: Journalist covering the entertainment industry for 23+ years, including 13 years as the first writer for About.com's Hollywood Movies site. Member of the Critics Choice Association (Film & TV Branches), Alliance of Women Film Journalists, and Past President of the San Diego Film Critics Society.
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