Uglies is a dystopian film based on Scott Westerfeld’s popular novel. The movie is set in a future world where everyone has to undergo surgery at age 16 to become “Pretties.” Joey King stars as Tally Youngblood, a girl who questions this system.
The movie also stars Chase Stokes as Peris, Brianne Tju as Shay, and Keith Powers as David. In this article, we’ll take a look at the different filming locations used in Uglies and the real-life places that inspired them.
Where Was Uglies Filmed?
The main filming for Uglies took place between October 2021 and December 2021. Joey King, one of the movie’s stars, confirmed that the production was finished by February 2022. However, some extra scenes were filmed in early 2024. Here’s a guide to all the filming locations of Uglies.
Atlanta, Georgia
Most of Uglies was filmed in and around Atlanta, Georgia. One key location is the Atlanta Central Library, which was used to show parts of Uglyville, the city where people live before their transformation into Pretties. The library, with its Brutalist architecture, gives a cold and practical feeling that fits well with the movie’s themes.
Stone Mountain Park, Georgia
Stone Mountain Park appears in several scenes, including when Tally climbs a large granite wall. The park’s rocky cliffs and dense forests provided the perfect natural backdrop for Tally’s journey into the wilderness. However, while the movie shows Tally climbing the mountain, this is not allowed in real life to protect the site.
Sweetwater Creek State Park, Georgia
The old brick ruins seen in Uglies are actually the New Manchester Mill Ruins in Sweetwater Creek State Park. This historic site has also been used in other movies like The Hunger Games. The rugged and remote look of the ruins makes it a great setting for the scenes that take place outside of the city.
Porsche Experience Center, Atlanta
Dr. Cable’s futuristic headquarters in the movie were filmed at the Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta. This modern complex, with its sleek design and high-tech features, fits the movie’s futuristic world. Fans of Marvel movies might recognize this location, as it was also used for the Avengers’ headquarters in past films.
EUE/Screen Gems Studios, Atlanta
Many of the studio scenes in Uglies were filmed at EUE/Screen Gems Studios in Atlanta. These scenes include some of the high-tech and futuristic settings that were difficult to create in real locations.
Other Key Filming Locations
Bixby Creek Bridge, California: In the movie, Tally crosses a broken bridge in a dramatic scene. The bridge shown resembles the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge on the Pacific Coast Highway in California, one of the most photographed bridges in the world.
Athirapally Falls, India: The triple waterfall at The Smoke, the hidden refuge in the wilderness, is actually Athirapally Falls in Kerala, India. This 80-foot waterfall is known as the “Niagara of India” and gives a stunning natural backdrop to some of the movie’s key moments.
Seven Sisters Waterfall, Norway: Another beautiful waterfall in Uglies is based on the Seven Sisters Waterfall in Geirangerfjord, Norway. However, this scene was created using CGI and filmed in a studio.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Where was Uglies filmed?
A: Most of Uglies was filmed in and around Atlanta, Georgia, with additional scenes shot in California, Norway, and India.
Q: When was Uglies filmed?
A: The main filming for Uglies took place between October 2021 and December 2021.
Q: Who is in the cast of Uglies?
A: The main cast of Uglies includes Joey King as Tally, Chase Stokes as Peris, Brianne Tju as Shay, and Keith Powers as David.
Q: What is Uglies about?
A: Uglies is set in a future where everyone must undergo cosmetic surgery at age 16 to become “Pretties,” but Tally Youngblood begins to question this system and fights back.