Scott Westerfeld discusses Uglies sequel after Netflix film backlash

The Netflix adaptation of the Uglies series, which premiered recently, faced significant criticism, earning a mere 19% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, although the audience score was somewhat better at 53%. The film, featuring Joey King as Tally Youngblood, is set in a dystopian future where beauty standards are enforced, and follows a teenager on a quest to find her missing friend. Critics noted that the film felt outdated and questioned the casting choices, suggesting the actors were too attractive for the narrative's premise. Despite the negative reception, the film concluded with unresolved plotlines, hinting at the potential for a sequel. Scott Westerfeld, the author of the original Uglies series, expressed interest in creating a sequel, contingent on audience viewership. He indicated that both he and director McG are eager to continue the story, but the decision ultimately lies with Netflix and its audience metrics. Westerfeld has written four books in the Uglies series, and he believes that the story naturally lends itself to further exploration in sequels. He mentioned that he typically thinks in trilogies, suggesting that while the film stands alone, it opens the door for additional narratives. The cast members also showed enthusiasm for a sequel, with Joey King and Chase Stokes expressing hope that audience reception would lead to more adaptations of the subsequent books. The future of the Uglies franchise now hinges on how well the film resonates with viewers and whether it generates enough interest for further installments.