Euphoria star Zendaya recently opened up about her experience navigating the challenging moments on set as production for the much-anticipated season 3 draws near. Created by Sam Levinson, this acclaimed HBO series debuted in 2019 and follows a group of high school students grappling with issues such as addiction, relationships, and identity. Zendaya portrays Rue, a character facing addiction struggles, in a narrative that has resonated deeply with audiences. After a tumultuous reception to season 2 in 2022, filming for Euphoria’s third season is now slated to begin in January 2025.
In a recent episode of Variety‘s “Actors on Actors,”Zendaya converses with Nicole Kidman about their respective journeys in Hollywood, reflecting on her more demanding days while portraying Rue. Although she refrained from divulging spoilers for the next season, Zendaya hinted at the challenges involved in filming:
We’re supposed to do another season. I’ve only done two, but it feels like five. One season of “Euphoria” is like, “Phew!”
Discussing the physical and emotional toll of her role, Zendaya shared with Kidman, “I still have my Rue scars.”She emphasized the importance of mental separation from her character when she’s not on set:
I’m still learning, but I do know that I like to have fun on my job. I don’t want to be miserable just because the character’s miserable. On “Euphoria,” we’d have really, really tough days. I’m like, “OK, gotta go cry and knock down a door real quick,” and then I’ll come back like, “Hey, Cheesecake Factory? What are we getting for lunch?” I try my best to leave them at work and go home and live my life and be a person.
Zendaya’s Insights on Euphoria’s Future
Controversies Surrounding the HBO Hit
While Euphoria poses significant demands on its cast, the series continues to create a strong impact among its viewers. Critics have responded positively to the narrative across both seasons, with the series becoming a major success for HBO and Max. Notably, the second season launched Euphoria into becoming the second most-watched show on HBO, following the legacy of Game of Thrones.
However, this success has not come without its share of controversies. Euphoria has been criticized for its explicit content, including graphic nudity and intense themes. Additionally, Sam Levinson has faced allegations regarding fostering a toxic work environment on set. Reports suggest that filming hours can be excessively long, leading actors like Sydney Sweeney to advocate for modifications to certain scenes to ensure they serve the narrative’s purpose. Despite these claims, many cast members have spoken highly of Levinson and largely dismissed the toxicity allegations.
Emerging reports suggest a creative dispute between Zendaya and Levinson regarding Rue’s storyline, contributing to the delay in season 3’s production.
Reflecting on Zendaya’s Comments
Anticipating an Emotional Season 3
While the specifics of Euphoria’s behind-the-scenes dynamics remain largely undisclosed, it is evident that the heavy themes depicted can be burdensome for the actors. Rue’s journey is marked by emotional highs and lows, making it an intricate portrayal that Zendaya seems determined to keep separate from her personal life. As anticipation grows for season 3, viewers can expect a continuation of the series’ signature emotional depth and complexity, suggesting that further turmoil may lie ahead.
Source: Variety
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