Kelly Clarkson sits front and center of the first trailer for UglyDolls, the new animated film from STX Films.
The film, which preaches acceptance and inner beauty, is inspired by the “unique and beloved global plush toy phenomenon” from 2001. While I’ve never heard of the brand, we’ll soon see if the appeal is as widespread as they are leading us all to believe - though I have a hard time believing it has the universal appeal of Trolls, which took the industry by storm in 2016.
UglyDolls takes place in the town of Uglyville, a unique place where weirdness is celebrated, and beauty is understood as something more than what meets the eye. Moxy (Clarkson) and her friends live every day to the fullest, embracing their appearance and loving every inch of themselves and those around them. But when their curiosity leads them to the other side of the mountain, their life is given an unwelcoming jolt that questions their imperfection and challenges their sense of self-worth.
Joining Clarkson on this “ugly” adventure are Nick Jonas, Janelle Monáe, Blake Shelton, and Pitbull, who all lend both their speaking and singing voices to their respective dolls. Emma Roberts, Gabriel Iglesias, Wanda Sykes, and Leehom Wang also contribute voices.
UglyDolls is scheduled to embrace theaters on May 10, 2019.