Have you heard the big news? Scott Westerfeld’s Uglies has finally arrived at Netflix after nearly 20 years on 13th, September 2024! This adaptation is based on the best-selling 2005 YA sci-fi novel. The book inspired three sequels: Pretties, Specials, and Extras and four spinoff novels: Impostors, Shatter City, Mirror’s Edge, and Youngbloods.
Fans are optimistic that the narrative will extend beyond Uglies and encompass the visual adaptation of all spinoff novels on screen. But for now, all eyes are on this first installment of the long-awaited adaptation. Joey King stars in it and is also one of the producers, along with Scott Westerfeld, the original author.
Now that the premiere has passed, we’ve gathered everything you need to know about Netflix’s Uglies! From trailer updates to casting news and the Uglies release date, we’ve got all the details you won’t want to miss. Keep reading to get the inside scoop!
Advertisement What’s the Release Date of Uglies?
Wondering where to watch Uglies movie? After a long wait, Uglies finally premiered on Netflix on September 13, 2024! You can also stream captivating dramas like Owning Manhattan’Season 1, A Family Affair, or thrilling documentaries such as Star Trek: Prodigy, and even beloved favorites like Heeramandi, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder Season 1, Tour de France: Unchained Season 2, How to Rob a Bank, Umbrella Academy Season 4, Emily in Paris: Season 4 (Part 2) on Netflix.
What’s the Storyline of the Movie, Uglies?
The Uglies movie, based on Scott Westerfeld’s book, sets itself 300 years in the future in a dystopian world. In this society, the government requires teens to undergo surgery to become a part of the cult named “Pretties” when they turn sixteen. This allows them to move to New Pretty Town. The story follows Tally Youngblood, a 16-year-old from Uglyville who dreams of becoming a Pretty. Her plans change when she befriends Shay, who wants to escape to a rebel group called the Smoke.
Netflix’s official logline for Uglies movie reads:
“In a futuristic world where everyone must undergo cosmetic surgery at 16, Tally looks forward to joining society. However, when a friend runs away, Tally sets off on a journey to save her, changing everything she thought she wanted.”
Take a look at the cast of Uglies and trailer of Uglies below.
Who’s Featured in the Cast of Uglies?
Here’s a look at the cast of Netflix’s Uglies who’s bringing this futuristic world to life:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Joey King | Tally Youngblood |
| Chase Stokes | Peris |
| Brianne Tju | Shay |
| Keith Powers | David |
| Laverne Cox | Dr. Cable |
| Charmin Lee | Maddy |
| Jan Luis Castellanos | Croy |
| Joseph Echavarria | Ryde |
| Zamani Wilder | Astrix |
| Robert Palmer Watkins | Sol |
| Jillian Murray | Ellie Youngblood |
Did You Catch the Uglies Trailer Yet?
Netflix dropped the official Uglies trailer on August 8, 2024. Joey King’s Tally faces the reality of the Pretty surgery, reflecting on her desire to be pretty. We see her saying goodbye to Peris, who is about to undergo the surgery, and get a glimpse of her interactions with Shay, Pretty Peris, and the Smoke. The trailer also features hoverboards and a passionate kiss between Tally and David. Check it out below!
What’s the IMDb Score of Uglies?
Uglies has earned a 5.0 out of 10 IMDb rating, based on reviews from about 8.4k viewers. The mixed ratings suggest that opinions divide, so it’s definitely worth watching to form your own take on this highly anticipated adaptation.
What’s the Critics Take on Uglies?
According to the reviews from Rotten Tomatoes,
This adaptation stays true to the book, though it misses some minor details, which is common with book-to-movie transitions. For those disappointed by adaptations like Percy Jackson, this film does a good job. It’s a young adult movie that might not appeal to everyone, as shown by the Tomatometer. To fully enjoy it, reading the book first is highly recommended.
Is the Uglies a trilogy?
Scott Westerfeld originally published the novel Uglies in 2006 and re-released it in 2011 with a brand-new cover design. It is the first installment in a popular trilogy that includes the sequels Pretties and Specials. Additionally, the series expanded with the release of a fourth book, Extras, which continues the storyline beyond the original trilogy. The Uglies series has gained a large following over the years, becoming a key work in the young adult dystopian genre.
What’s Different Between Netflix’s Uglies Movie and the Book?
The film makes several significant changes to the plot compared to the book.
Differences Between Uglies Book and Film
| Book | Film |
|---|---|
| Walden Pond is just quoted in Pretties, not a major tool in Uglies. | Walden Pond is a key book passed between the Smokies and teaches civil disobedience. |
| Rangers burn the white orchid weeds with flamethrowers to control the flowers. | Rangers and Smokies are combined in the film, and both burn the flower fields. |
| Hoverboards are used by Tally and others throughout the book, including David, who knows how to use them. | Hoverboards are only used for Tally’s journey to The Smoke. Once she arrives, they aren’t used. |
| Peris does not become a Special and fades from the story after becoming Pretty. | Peris becomes a Special and has a major confrontation with Tally, seemingly falling to his death. |
| Az, David’s father, dies after surgery experiments. Dr. Cable tries to erase his memories. | Az is killed by Peris in front of David and his mother. |
| The cure is made by Maddy in the form of pills. | The cure in the film is two combined liquids instead of pills. |
These differences add new layers to the film’s storyline, creating a slightly different experience for fans of the original book.
Wrap up!
The Uglies movie brings Scott Westerfeld’s world to life, keeping the main ideas of the book while adding some new changes for the screen. Although there are differences, the story still focuses on themes like individuality, beauty, and resistance. Fans of the book will enjoy experiencing Tally’s journey in a new way, while newcomers might find themselves drawn into its thought-provoking message. Overall, it’s an interesting adaptation that explores the pressure to fit in and the importance of making your own choices.