‘Back to the Outback’ Pretty Boy Interview - Netflix Tudum

  • Interview

    An Exclusive Chat with Australia’s (Former) Sweetheart, Pretty Boy

    After leaving the zoo in Back to the Outback, the beloved koala is looking to the future.

    By Casey Suglia
    Dec. 13, 2021

After escaping from Chaz, the zoo presenter, and returning to the Outback for good with the help of his new friends, the former cuddly icon is now focusing on his new life and the future that lies ahead for him and his friends. 

Congratulations on your successful journey to the Outback. How is your new home?

I love it. The Outback has this magical beauty and Zen-like serenity. In many ways it reminds me of myself. I signed up for some holistic body treatments and an outdoor massage, which is basically just a lizard throwing mud at you and a bunch of bush pigs running over you, but I feel great. What can I say? It feels like home. Without the linen sheets and hair products (but they're arriving tomorrow). 

What was the one high and one low of your adventure to get here?

The low for me was, of course, the sewer. I still can't hear a toilet flush without breaking into a cold sweat. Luckily, none of my friends use toilets. The high was driving the fire engine. If I wasn't a world-famous beautiful koala, I'd want to be a world-famous beautiful firefighter. They're my heroes.

Did anything happen behind the scenes that we didn’t get to see?

I shouldn't be revealing this, but we never went to the bathroom on camera. And the bush tucker did have quite an effect on me. Luckily, Phil Collins sent me his personal chef, who prepared all my meals in my private trailer.

You’re used to meetings with your therapist and weekly blowouts. Do you miss anything about your old life? If so, what do you miss the most?

You left out mani-pedis. I do miss having someone who is paid to listen to me. Out here, they pay me to shut up. Seriously, Zoe offered me five gumnuts to stop talking. As for the blowouts, I find a hot desert breeze does the trick. And who needs Botox when you've got a scorpion? Nigel stings me twice a week and I've never looked better. Even when I'm screaming.

You used to have a webcam on you 24/7. How has the transition to becoming a private citizen been?

I find a mirror and a flashlight work wonders. As long as I see me, I don't care if you see me.

You learned a lot over the course of your journey, including the real definition of some particular insults. What does “ugly” mean to you now?

I have removed that word from my vocabulary. I don't see anyone as ugly — just not as beautiful as me. “Beauty challenged” or “non-koala” is preferred.

How has your relationship with Maddie been since you’ve settled into the Outback? Are you still friends?

OMG, we are besties for life. She is the kindest, bravest, most beautiful creature in the whole world. And I'm not just saying that because it's in my Netflix contract. I'm saying it because I'm all those things too, so I know how hard it is to be perfect. And that's what she is. Love you, M!

Do you ever see yourself returning to the zoo? The city?

Unfortunately, yes. I have a score to settle. I'm not a vengeful koala, but no one steals my snuggly and gets away with it. So yeah, I'll be back. And I'm talking to you, Giggles. 

What is next for Pretty Boy?

I intend to write a children's book as soon as I can find someone who can write and some children. In the meantime, I just want to have more Outback adventures with my friends.

 If you could tell your fans anything, what would you say?

I'd say, "Be proud of who you are, and love yourself." It always worked for me. (Or "Send money.")

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