Joey King, the talented actress known for her role in “The Kissing Booth,” recently revealed that she was approached by director Thomas Kail to star as Halina Kurc in the Hulu’s adaptation of “We Were the Lucky Ones.” Despite not having any prior knowledge of the story, King said that it was an “immediate yes” for her to take on the role.
The eight-part series is based on the bestselling novel by Georgia Hunter and follows the harrowing true story of the Kurc family, a close-knit Jewish family who lived in Poland during World War II. The story revolves around the five young adult siblings, including Halina, who are scattered throughout Europe before the war. Despite facing numerous atrocities such as Russian gulags, German society, and Nazi occupation, all five siblings and their parents manage to survive and reunite.
As the series unfolds, viewers are taken on an emotional journey through the Kurc family’s remarkable resilience and strength in the face of unimaginable adversity. The compelling story is a testament to the human spirit and a reminder of the horrors of war that should never be forgotten.
In a recent interview, actor Joey King spoke about her love for true stories and how they often offer untapped potential for cinematic storytelling. According to King, the best part about true stories is that they often go beyond our wildest dreams, regardless of the subject matter. She believes that there are countless true stories that have yet to be told, and that there is so much potential in bringing them to the screen.
King is no stranger to true stories, having played the role of Gypsy-Rose Blanchard in the 2019 Hulu miniseries, “The Act.” Her performance earned her an Emmy nomination and allowed her to briefly connect with the real Gypsy-Rose, whom she wishes a peaceful and happy life upon her recent release from prison.
In her latest role as Halina, King faced new acting challenges, including heavy accent work and filming in extremely cold conditions. Despite the challenges, she relished the opportunity to delve into the emotional issues of such an intense story. She revealed that filming took place in Romania and Spain, and the weather proved to be a significant obstacle, particularly during outdoor scenes. As someone who is not fond of cold weather, King admitted that she struggled a bit during the beginning of the shoot. However, she persevered and delivered a powerful performance that is sure to resonate with audiences.
The newly released World War II miniseries, “Lucky Ones,” is a sensitively crafted and memorable addition to the canon of projects about the war. The show’s eight-hour run time, as opposed to being a feature film, allows for a deep exploration of each sibling’s individual challenges in the years leading up to and during the war. Through the show, viewers get to know not only Halina but also her sister, Hadas Yaron, who is forced to do mandatory factory work with a baby, and her brother, Logan Lerman, who struggles to get a visa to flee the country by ship.
Despite the heavy nature of the show, the cast members were all committed to bringing some levity to the experience. They wanted the filming to be a joyous time for them, even though the content was heavy and emotionally charged. They were fully invested in their roles and the story, and they all cared deeply about each other, which helped them navigate the uncomfortable situations they had to face physically and mentally while filming.
Overall, “Lucky Ones” is a must-watch for anyone interested in World War II and its impact on individuals and families. The show’s attention to detail and the outstanding performances of the cast make it a memorable and moving viewing experience.
