Euphoria star Barbie Ferreira has addressed the alleged conflict on the set of the HBO hit teen drama. Ferreira plays Kat Hernandez, whose character was beloved and very relatable to many fans - they could truly see themselves for the first time reflected in a character like Kat.
Kat goes on a mission throughout Euphoria season 1 of self-discovery - battling the pressure of having to feel as though because she is a plus-sized woman, she must love herself all the time and possess innate confidence. Kat ultimately becomes a dominatrix online, where she gains a sense of power and confidence through exploring her sexuality. Kat finally seems ready and able to accept love at the end of season 1, with her and Ethan (played by Austin Abrams) becoming an official item. Throughout season 1, Ferreira and her character’s storyline was a key component in the success of the series as a whole. However, when fans returned for season 2, Kat’s trajectory and growth as a character seemed to be crumbling before audiences’ eyes. Ferreira had very few lines throughout the entirety of season 2. If she did speak, her character was usually utilized more as a reactionary piece to whatever drama was going on between Cassie (Sydney Sweeney) and Maddy (Alexa Demie).
In season 2, Kat and Ethan’s relationship is on the decline, as she feels unsatisfied and uncomfortable with the sweet, innocent love that they do share - she isn’t used to receiving that type of unconditional love, so she ends up pushing it away. Their relationship ends briefly and abruptly in a very confusing lunch scene between Kat and Ethan, where Kat ultimately ends up blatantly lying to Ethan’s face surrounding the real reason why she wants to break up. Then, reports and rumors came out stating that the reason for Ferreira's glaring absence in Euphoria season 2 was due to alleged conflicts between her and creator of the series, Sam Levinson. In a recent interview with Insider, Ferreira addressed the rumors and offered some much-needed clarity for fans. She stated, “What’s interesting about this season is there are so many eyes on it that even the news cycle has been so interesting to see. I’ve seen so many different things and a lot of it is untrue and some of its kind of like mundane little things."
"But I really think that the fans are really passionate, and I do appreciate that because Euphoria has really impacted so many people," Ferreira continued. "Sometimes, things take on a life of their own, and they’re not rooted in the truth, but it’s OK because I know it’s just out of passion and curiosity and all that good stuff. And I signed up for it. So, I’ll take it, the good and the bad.” The rumors claim that Ferreira walked off of set after a heated argument with creator Levinson and her character’s storyline was significantly reduced as a result.
Euphoria is also in the hot seat for employees and showrunners citing it as a toxic work environment. It seems as though regardless, Ferreira is keeping the faith that fans will see more quality content of Kat for the upcoming Euphoria season 3. However, fans have quite the long wait ahead of them, as season 3 of Euphoria isn’t likely to air until late 2023 or early 2024.
Euphoria season 1-2 are now available on HBO Max.
Source: Insider