'Uglies' series set to hit the big screen

LOS ANGELES, June 26 (UPI) -- Producer John Davis along with 20th Century Fox have added another young adult fantasy book series to their movie repertoire with "Uglies" by Scott Westerfield.

With the December release of the studio's newest teen series adapted to film "Eragon" coming up, they have begun the search for a writer to adapt "Uglies" to the big screen, the Daily Variety reported Monday.

The futuristic tale taps into teen angst over conformity and acceptance. Children are called "Uglies" until they reach 16 and are surgically transformed into the "Pretties," who move to the glamorous part of town.

One teen is threatened with being denied the procedure unless she spies on a pal who skipped the operation and joined a rebellious group.

The studio has bought the three-book series for a potential franchise.