Someone practically received the function of a lifetime, however Euphoria’s casting staff determined to award the a part of Rue to Zendaya as an alternative.
Fans of the HBO present have been reacting in shock after quotes emerged suggesting there was another person who practically bagged the function. The casting staff have been slammed by some for taking the chance away from a first-time actor, whereas others are thrilled Zendaya gained out in the long run.
Playing the function of drug-addicted teen Rue, Zendaya gained a Primetime Emmy Award for her efficiency within the in style present. According to Eurphoria casting director Jennifer Venditti, Rue was virtually performed by another person.
“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 instructed Variety.
“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.”
Eddy Chen/HBO
The shock revealation that Rue might have been performed by somebody with actual world expertise of the character’s struggles prompted outrage amongst some.
“Why would they say this?” requested @shadowjeon on Twitter, “I hope they employed her for something else bc giving a former addict an opportunity like Euphoria and then snatching it away just to cast a big name who has always been sober is so…” Meanwhile, @AdamantzYves stated, “Why would anyone share this story with the press? I am disgusted.”
Hundreds of individuals made comparable statements on social media to the same have an effect on, with followers questioning why they might admit to virtually giving somebody an unbelievable alternative.
Some different’s in contrast the scenario to the plot for Zendaya’s character within the Netflix film Malcolm and Marie, one other challenge created by Euphoria’s creator Sam Levinson.
“I feel like it’s strange to say ‘we street scouted a young actor who overcame addiction and was perfect for the role but then we gave it to Zendaya instead’ like just keep that in the archives,” wrote @sizzlipeed on Twitter.
Providing some perspective for others who complained, @tarajones weighed in with, “Let’s be real if Zendaya wasn’t the lead you wouldn’t have tuned in.”
Over on Reddit the place the revelation was additionally mentioned, @neutralgood079 stood up for Levinson.
“Listen, I’ll trash Sam for a lot but this is not one,” they wrote, referencing a number of criticisms the present has acquired for sexualizing teenagers, “if you’ve known an addict you know how difficult recovery can be (and Sam is in recovery himself). To say she may not have handled the material (trauma), long days, being around vices is correct.”
Further including purpose to the casting agent’s determination, @ninaludrewitz thinks the chances have been all the time towards the unknown first-time actor.
“Honestly I think it might have been for the best. Street scouting means that she didn’t seek out an audition and maybe wasn’t an actor even. Why make someone relive possible trauma by making them basically reenact their worst time? It would have been exploitative,” they wrote.
Why would they are saying this? I hope they employed her for one thing else bc giving a former addict a chance like euphoria after which snatching it away simply to solid an enormous title who has all the time been sober is so… https://t.co/ypBIX4RK6D
— Reha⁷ •eddie munson period• (@shadowjeon) August 9, 2022
Some Euphoria followers in contrast the choice to that of actor Angus Cloud who was solid within the function of drug vendor Fez. It marked Cloud’s first performing job as he was noticed by a road caster. Venditti stated of Cloud’s casting within the function: “People think ‘Oh, he just shows up. He’s just this lazy stoner,’ Angus doesn’t get enough credit.”
Venditti revealed that while casting the function of Jules, the one who scored that half, Hunter Schafer, really learn for the function with the unnamed actor within the function of Rue.
Ultimately, Zendaya bagged the function, and Venditti defined why: “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.”
Euphoria will return for Season 3, however there may be at the moment no confirmed launch date for the brand new episodes.