Zendaya Explains How People Have Misunderstood ‘Euphoria’
Euphoria Season 2 is right around the corner and fans could not be more excited. The hit HBO show, which Zendaya headlines, made waves when it premiered back in June 2019. However, like many TV shows and films, production for the sophomore season was stalled. Thanks to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, more than two years stretch between season 1 and season 2.
Fortunately, fans haven’t been completely starved of all things Euphoria. When the show’s creator, Sam Levinson, found out Season 2 was delayed, he started thinking of new options. The writer knew that the second season was on ice. However, he still wanted to create something to keep the fans engaged. He also wanted to ensure viewers that Zendaya’s character, Rue, a 17-year-old drug addict, was OK.
There are two special bridge episodes between season 1 and season 2 of ‘Euphoria’
Levinson initially pitched a Euphoria movie to HBO. However, the network eventually settled on two special episodes. These episodes don’t belong in either season, but rather serve as a bridge between the two. Levinson used the episodes to go deeper with a few characters, specifically Rue, Ali, and Jules. Furthermore, the style of the episodes was completely different. There was much less movement for Zendaya and Hunter Schafer’s characters. Furthermore, the cinematography was markedly different.
The special episodes of Euphoria certainly received mixed reviews. Some people loved getting to see their favorite characters in more grounded situations. Others felt disappointed that the episodes lacked the glitz and glam that typically accompany the show. In a conversation with Coleman Domingo (who plays Ali), Zendaya got candid about how many fans misunderstood the diner episode, “Trouble Don’t Always Last”.
Zendaya explains that some ‘Euphoria’ fans misunderstood the diner episode
“When we did the diner episode, a lot of people were a bit thrown off,” Zendaya confessed to Interview Magazine. “Like, ‘Wait a minute, y’all are just gonna stay in the diner and talk?’ Some people didn’t quite understand it. Then I saw a tweet that was like, ‘If you’re just here for the glitter makeup, then you’re missing the point.'”
Continuing on, Zendaya shared that when you strip Euphoria of its stunning makeup and gorgeous cinematography, you’re left with honest and deep feelings. This, she believes, is the core of the show. The special episodes merely highlight this simple fact.
Zendaya shares what is truly at the heart of ‘Euphoria’
“All of that is part of the fantasy of filmmaking, but then we really had a moment with building an episode out of the pandemic that just focuses on people and what was really happening with Rue throughout the season and leading up into this next season that we’re shooting now,” Zendaya added. “People got to see what our show is really about. All those parts of Euphoria, they are Euphoria, but they aren’t the core of what it is. The core of Euphoria is these very raw and honest emotions, and these conversations that I hope help us gain empathy.”
Clearly, the special episodes mean a lot to Zendaya. Perhaps Euphoria fans who didn’t really understand the “Trouble Don’t Always Last” will revisit it ahead of season 2. After all, both Zendaya and Domingo named the episode as one of the things they’re most proud of in their respective careers.
