Zendaya's role in Euphoria has received major praise, but it's just been revealed that another actress was considered for the role.
Euphoria has garnered major attention and critical acclaim since the series hit HBO back in the summer of 2019. Euphoria follows a group of teenagers who all attended the same high school as they deal with major issues that many of today's youth face like drug addiction, abusive relationships, body image, LGBTQ+ issues, and friendship. The series stars actress Zendaya as Rue Bennett, a high school-aged girl who struggles to grapple with her drug addiction after spending time at a rehab facility following an overdose that almost took her life.
During an interview with Variety, Euphoria's casting director Jennifer Venditti broke down how Zendaya landed the role. “There was a young woman who had been street scouted by my team who was a magical person and had a similar trajectory as Rue and had come around to the other side,” Venditti stated, referring to Rue’s struggles with drug addiction. “But with a TV show, it can be many years (of work]. We all loved her, but when we went through the rigor of the process, we didn’t know if she could handle what it would take in terms of stamina.” Venditti went on to explain that she set up the actress with a coach to help her grasp the emotional toll that the show could take, and in the end she and the show's creator Sam Levinson didn’t think she was ready to take it on.
Although Zendaya doesn’t have personal experience with drug addiction like the other who was considered, Venditti still praised her acting abilities. “It’s so interesting. A polar opposite. Because here’s Zendaya, who has none of the life experiences of Rue, who was able to dig into her toolbox and access it in such a beautiful way.” Zendaya's role in Euphoria has scored her an Emmy Award, and she has been nominated once again for her role as Rue in Euphoria season 2.
Fans agree that Zendaya does a stellar job in her role of Euphoria and portrays the part with the uppermost sensitivity and heart. However, it’s surprising to hear that a first-time actor almost portrayed the role. Although this didn’t happen with the role of Rue, there are many other first-time actors on the hit HBO drama series.
First-time actor Angus Cloud, who plays the role of drug dealer Fez, was found by the casting team found on the street, and Hunter Schafer was found through her previous work as a model. Nonetheless, HBO's Euphoria continues to achieve major success and open many doors for first-time actors.
Euphoria seasons 1-2 are now available on HBO Max.
Source: Variety