Zendaya‘s “Euphoria” character Rue was not originally meant to satisfy the tragic fate seen within the Season 3 finale, in keeping with show creator Sam Levinson.
Amid debate over several controversial scenes, Levinson has also defended the dark destiny of multiple characters this season.
Although nothing has been officially confirmed, Season 3 appears to mark the tip of the hit HBO series, not only due to the deaths of several lead characters, but in addition because of reports of strained relationships among the many solid.
Fans witnessed Zendaya’s character, Rue Bennett, face a devastating turn within the “Euphoria” Season 3 finale after unknowingly taking painkillers laced with fentanyl.
Nevertheless, Levinson has revealed in a brand new interview with The Latest York Times that this was not at all times the plan.
In line with him, Rue was originally mapped out for a completely different trajectory, however the real-life death of fellow actor Angus Cloud forced him to vary the narrative.
“I had originally written a special trajectory for the character of Rue. Throughout the writers’ strike, we got the news that Angus passed away,” he said, referring to the 2023 overdose death of Cloud, who played soft-hearted drug dealer Fezco within the series.
“I’d at all times been really concerned in regards to the prevalence of fentanyl. It’s something that we’ve handled over the seasons and even in my first film [Another Happy Day],” he continued. “But once he passed away, I needed to reconceive the script, and I believed, ‘you may’t tell a story about addiction today without the very real consequences.’”
Sam Levinson Defends Rue’s Tragic Fate
Like Rue, the Coroner’s Office confirmed that Cloud’s death was accidental and brought on by acute intoxication because of the combined effects of multiple substances.
Levinson said the change to Rue’s fate felt just like the “responsible thing to do,” because it highlighted the hazards of drug addiction.
He said, “Most individuals don’t get a second likelihood. Fentanyl can just take you out instantly. It wasn’t like after I was growing up; you could possibly literally take pills off the road, and you would possibly have a nasty trip or something, but you’d be fantastic.”
“That is something that hits near home for lots of people on this country. So, it felt just like the responsible thing to do,” he added.
Levinson Also Defended Nate’s Brutal Ending
Rue’s death was not the one character exit Levinson needed to defend within the finale, as he also spoke about Nate Jacobs’ “horrific” death.
Nate, who was deep in debt, was pursued by loan sharks who kidnapped him while attempting to get well money from his wife, Cassie, played by Sydney Sweeney.
In an episode titled “Rain or Shine,” Cassie and her friend Maddy scrambled to lift the cash and even enlisted the assistance of crime boss Alamo of their seek for him.
By the point they found where Nate had been taken, it was already too late.
“There’s this sort of funny thing where I do know what the audience wants by way of justice or karma, and with that in mind, I at all times think, ‘Well, how can I give it to them?’” Levinson told Esquire. “How can I give them what they need, but make it so horrific and anxiety-inducing that by the point it happens, the audience isn’t so sure they wanted it?”
Sydney Sweeney’s Cassie Storyline Divided Fans
All season long, “Euphoria” got here under fire from fans over several risqué scenes involving Sweeney’s character after Cassie became an OnlyFans creator.
Some viewers felt the scenes went too far and accused the show of leaning heavily into shock value.
Nevertheless, Sweeney seemingly hit back at critics in a recent Instagram post, where she shared photos from behind the scenes.
“It’s called… acting,” she wrote within the caption in a seemingly pointed message to critics.
Sam Levinson Says Sweeney Was ‘Fearless’
Levinson also praised Sweeney’s work on the series after fans accused him of subjecting her to a “humiliation ritual.”
During a recent appearance on The Latest York Times’ “Popcast” podcast, he praised the actress for the way boldly she approached the controversial scenes throughout the season.
“I believe she’s a completely fearless actor. She’s also just splendidly skilled, and shows up just game day-after-day,” he said. “I am keen on working along with her, because there’s such a flexibility by way of the performance.”