**Joey King Reflects on Producing ‘Uglies’ for Netflix — A Personal Journey of Growth and Nostalgia**
In an exclusive chat with Deadline, Joey King — the star and producer of Netflix’s much-anticipated adaptation of Scott Westerfeld’s *Uglies* — opened up about her deep connection to the story that shaped her adolescence. A decade after first discovering the book series at 11, King brought together her ideas to pitch a film adaptation to Netflix, an endeavor that has spanned over a decade.
Set in a dystopian future where teenagers undergo mandatory cosmetic surgery to fit an ideal of beauty upon reaching 16, *Uglies* follows Tally Youngblood, played by King, who is eager for her transformation. However, her life takes a twist when she befriends Shay (Brianne Tsu), who escapes to a rumored haven known as The Smoke along with David (Keith Powers). Faced with the ultimatum of retrieving Shay or forfeiting her chance at surgery, Tally embarks on a journey that alters her understanding of beauty and societal norms.
Reflecting on her experience with the source material, King shared, “Reading those books during my formative years had such a massive impact on me. Pitching the film to Netflix at 17 and finally seeing it come to fruition at 25 is incredibly special.” Expressing the significance of her role, she emphasized the film’s potential to resonate with today’s youth, commenting, “I just hope that it helps other young people navigating their own multifaceted emotions during adolescence, just like it did for me.”
Much has changed in the landscape of young adult dystopian narratives since *Uglies* first hit shelves nearly 20 years ago. To King, the film ushers in a nostalgic revival of the genre that aims to connect with both new viewers and those who grew up with similar stories. “It’s exciting to revisit this world and explore what it means for both audiences who know and love the genre,” she remarked.
As she ventured into producing, King revealed, “This was one of my first experiences in production. I was heavily involved in the casting and development processes, and it was an enriching learning experience.” Meeting fellow cast members like Brianne and Keith during auditions was a highlight for her, as she watched the film’s evolution firsthand.
Interacting with Scott Westerfeld, the series’ author, was another memorable moment for King. “To share my love and enthusiasm for Tally with him was surreal. I’ll never forget the day he visited the set.” Westerfeld’s involvement, including a cameo, added a touch of authenticity and excitement for the cast and crew alike.
Reflecting on the film’s dynamics, particularly the love triangle involving Tally, Peris (Chase Stokes), and David, King explained the multifaceted emotions it evokes. Tally’s relationships represent different aspects of her journey — loyalty to her past and the promise of new possibilities that challenge her beliefs about identity and societal expectations.
Perhaps most compellingly, Tally’s choice to retain her scar following surgery speaks volumes about her character’s growth and resilience. “It’s a major part of her story,” King stated. “Tally transforms throughout the film, gradually choosing her path rather than blindly following societal norms set by the government. That scar symbolizes her strength and the choices she’s made.”
As the film’s release date approaches, King is brimming with anticipation regarding viewers’ reactions. She remarked, “Naturally, there are open threads at the end, and I’d love to see where these characters go from here. It excites me to think about sequels, should audiences connect with our adaptation.”
With this fresh interpretation of *Uglies*, Joey King hopes to ignite conversations around beauty standards and individuality, delivering a message that is not only relevant but crucial in today’s culture. We’ll have to wait and see how resonant this new take on an old favorite will be when it premieres on Netflix.