Almost 20 years after Scott Westerfeld published Uglies, the teen dystopian series will finally make its on-screen debut. Netflix has adapted the book into a TV series starring Joey King. Now, we have our first look at the show ahead of its fall premiere. Check out the official trailer below.
Uglies spins the tale of a futuristic world that imposes cosmetic surgery to everyone at 16. At first, Tally (King) is eager for her turn to join the rest of society. But when a friend runs away, Tally embarks on a journey to save her that upends everything she thought she wanted.
“Basically what happens is, you’re afforded a surgery when you turn 16 years old so you can look any way you want to look,” Uglies director McG explained. “It’s the belief of the society that if we all look the way we want, you can eradicate conflict.”
King, a longtime fan of the novel, also expressed her enthusiasm for the series to debut.
“What’s crazy is my excitement for the story has been at the same level since I was 11 years old,” King told Tudum, describing how her sister gave her Westerfeld’s book to read.
King also executive produces the series, along with Westerfeld, Jamie King, John Fox, and Jenny Hink. The show stars Keith Powers, Chase Stokes, Brianne Tju, Jan Luis Castellanos, Charmin Lee, and Laverne Cox.
Uglies officially premieres on Netflix September 13. Book fans can also grab a special media tie-in paperback around the launch, starting September 17. Or, you can listen to a special edition audiobook performed by series star Tju.
