Angourie Rice and Mom Kate Rice Wrote a “Pride and Prejudice ”Retelling. Here’s The Story Behind “Stuck Up and Stupid” (Exclusive)

Angourie Rice and Mum Kate Rice Share Insights on ‘Stuck Up and Stupid’ (Exclusive)

Australian actress, Angourie Rice, and her mother, playwright Kate Rice, have ventured into the young adult novel world with the release of their debut book, ‘Stuck Up and Stupid’, in the U.S. on May 6. This Pride and Prejudice retelling is a product of their shared love for Jane Austen and their rich experiences in the entertainment industry.

Angourie, known for her roles in films like ‘The Nice Guys’ and ‘Mean Girls’, alongside her current appearance in the Apple TV+ series ‘The Last Thing He Told Me’ with Jennifer Garner, has teamed up with Kate, a recipient of the Australian Writers Guild Award, to bring their literary creation to life.

Their collaboration on ‘Stuck Up and Stupid’ was a new adventure for both of them, delving into the uncharted territory of novel writing. “It was a new medium for both of us,” Angourie, 24, shared with PEOPLE. “I’d never written a novel, and neither had [Kate], so we were exploring that together.”

Their novel, now available through Candlewick Press, follows Lily, a young girl whose summer takes a turn when A-list actor Dorian Khan arrives in her coastal town. Lily sees the Hollywood star and his entourage as pretentious, but a chance encounter forces her to reconsider her perceptions.

The mother-daughter duo recently sat down with PEOPLE to discuss the U.S. launch of their modern take on Pride and Prejudice. Their interview shed light on the origins of their collaboration and the creative process behind their work.

Kate revealed that the idea for ‘Stuck Up and Stupid’ came about organically. Initially, she had envisioned a play featuring the next generation in the Pride and Prejudice universe. However, after some brainstorming with Angourie in 2020, they decided to craft an updated version of Austen’s classic, blending elements of beloved modern adaptations.

Drawing inspiration from influential literary figures such as Henry Handel Richardson and Jane Austen, the Rices infused their personalities and industry experiences into the novel, creating a narrative that reflects their unique perspectives.

One of the enjoyable aspects of the writing process was adapting iconic scenes like the ball sequences from Austen’s works to fit a contemporary setting. Angourie expressed her excitement at bringing these moments to life in a fresh and engaging manner, adding a touch of glamour and intrigue to the story.

Through their debut novel, Angourie and Kate hope to convey messages of self-improvement and open-mindedness to readers. They aspire to inspire audiences to look beyond first impressions, embrace change, and strive for deeper connections with those around them.

As ‘Stuck Up and Stupid’ hits bookshelves in the U.S., the mother-daughter duo already has plans for future collaborations. Kate confirmed that they are working on new projects together, leveraging their complementary strengths to create compelling stories that resonate with audiences.

The Rices’ foray into novel writing serves as a testament to the power of creative collaboration and the importance of exploring new artistic avenues. With their debut receiving positive attention, it’s clear that Angourie and Kate have found a dynamic partnership that showcases their talents and shared passion for storytelling.