Today, Netflix released the official trailer for their adaptation of Uglies, the dystopian book trilogy written by Scott Westerfield. Joey King, who stars as the trilogy’s lead, Tally Youngblood, says she was “11 years old when [she] fell in love with that first book.” To play Tally is “a dream realized.”
Many fans of Westerfield’s books feel the same, as they have waited for a film adaptation to emerge for as long as they can remember. Netflix originally announced the adaptation in 2020, but unforeseen delays and several reshoots stirred uncertainty around its release. Rumors began to buzz several days ago when fans noticed the title appear on Nextflix’s search engine, with an option to “notify me” of its release. In the wake of the trialer, the internet is divided. Overall there is excitement, but different platforms have been circulating different forms of anticipation for the film.
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While TikTok is bursting with positivity and excitement over the trailer, X feels a little more sarcastic about it. Tiktokers, Millennials, and Gen Z alike are saying they’ve waited their entire lives for this adaptation. Many of them stated they’ve been in love with the books since they were 11 or 12. Around the same time, King discovered them herself.
Despite the inherent excitement, X is criticizing Netflix’s casting. Many users have called out the irony of a movie about uglies being full of beautiful people. Other users resorted to calling Joey King ugly, deeming her appropriate for the role. Other fans are clapping back in support of King and her co-stars, who are being slammed for appearing in a movie titled Uglies. Many of them were quick to point out that there will be a sequel called Pretties.
All said and done, fans are ecstatic to see a trailer and finally receive a release date for Uglies. Alongside Joey King as Tally Youngblood, the film will star Chase Stokes as Peris, Keith Powers as David, Brianne Tju as Shay, and Laverne Cox as Dr. Cable. Check out the trailer below and stream Uglies on Netflix starting September 13.
