Age and Filming Timeline
Joey King was 17 years old when principal photography for The Kissing Booth began in March 2017, turning 18 near the end of the shoot in April 2017. She was born December 30, 1999, which places production squarely within her late teenage years. The character Elle Evans is intended to be a high school senior, typically aged 17–18, closely aligning with King’s real age during filming. Below is a compact timeline that maps key dates to her age on the project.
| Date or Period | Joey King’s Age | Event or Detail |
|---|---|---|
| December 30, 1999 | 0 | Date of birth |
| March 2017 | 17 | Principal photography began; Elle is a high school senior |
| April 2017 | 17–18 | Production wrap; she turned 18 late in the shoot |
| July 2018 | 18 | The Kissing Booth released on Netflix |
Character Age Versus Real Age
The story is set in a U.S. high school during the senior year, a grade typically encompassing ages 17 to 18. Joey King’s actual age at the time served to ground the performance in an authentic adolescent voice while meeting production demands for a credible leading teen role. This alignment between character and performer age helped create the naturalistic tone that audiences connected with across the Netflix release.
Production Context and Scheduling
Filming took place mainly in California, with a schedule structured around a teenage cast and school timeline. Starting in March 2017 allowed the production to capture late-spring and summer scenes that match the story’s seasonal setting. By concluding in April 2017, the shoot stayed manageable for a young lead while preserving the integrity of the high school narrative arc.
Career Timeline Context
The Kicking Boot marked an important milestone in Joey King’s transition from guest roles and smaller projects to a prominent streaming feature. Released in July 2018, the film expanded her visibility among teen audiences and paved the way for subsequent roles in family-friendly and genre projects. Understanding her age during production clarifies how this role fits into her broader career development.
Post-Release Sequel and Reunion Context
Because the Netflix series continued with later installments, viewers often revisit how old she was in the original context. The age she was during the first film informs discussions about continuity, maturity, and performance consistency across The Kissing Booth 2 and The Kissing Booth 3, where production timelines and character aging are coordinated with the actors’ real-life growth.
Key Takeaways
- Joey King was 17 at the start of filming in March 2017 and turned 18 near the end of production.
- The character Elle is written as a high school senior, typically age 17–18.
- The movie released in July 2018 when she was 18.
- Her age aligned with the teen role, supporting an authentic high school portrayal.
- The timeline reflects a deliberate production schedule tailored to a young cast.