The third and remaining season of “Euphoria” generated intense debate amongst followers, with a lot of the dialog centered round Cassie Howard’s surprising OnlyFans storyline and Sydney Sweeney‘s more and more specific scenes. Now, creator Sam Levinson is responding to the criticism, explaining why he felt it was necessary to discover the intersection of on-line validation, influencer tradition, and the rising recognition of platforms like OnlyFans.
After months of criticism from viewers and on-line commentators, Levinson is standing by the inventive choices that formed Cassie’s remaining season arc.
Showing on “Real Time With Bill Maher,” the “Euphoria” creator defined that he seen OnlyFans as a significant cultural pressure value exploring slightly than a distinct segment subject. “When you have a look at OnlyFans, it’s making as a lot cash as Hollywood. I imply, primarily, it’s on par,” Levinson stated. “It’s not a distinct segment enterprise; it’s a huge enterprise.”
Levinson stated the storyline was designed to look at how younger individuals could also be drawn to on-line platforms that provide each monetary rewards and validation. “And so should you’re younger, you’re going … ‘I don’t wish to go work in a 9 to 5 at this place or that factor. Nicely, perhaps I can simply begin taking images of myself?’” he defined.
Quite than glorifying that path, Levinson stated he wished to discover the emotional penalties that may come from constructing self-worth round consideration from strangers on-line.
Based on Levinson, Cassie’s journey wasn’t nearly on-line intercourse work. It was additionally concerning the affect social media and web tradition have on younger individuals’s sense of id.
“What occurs when you recognize, as a teenager, you’re on Instagram … and also you’re advised that you simply’re the product, you’re the model, and now you’re 18 years previous, and also you’re going, effectively, ‘How do I become profitable?’” he stated.
The filmmaker added that he was serious about analyzing the long-term results of chasing consideration and fast success on-line. “You recognize, we take a reasonably essential have a look at it. It hollows out the person,” he stated. “You recognize, you’re continually simply relying on the likes and exterior validation.”
Levinson argued that Cassie’s storyline represented what he sees because the “pure evolution” of a tradition that encourages individuals to continually market themselves on-line.
Sydney Sweeney Backed The Character’s Evolution
In a latest interview with Vanity Fair, Sweeney additionally defended Cassie’s controversial trajectory, saying the character’s actions stem from a deep want for acceptance. “She has a should be validated by different individuals,” Sweeney defined. “She doesn’t know tips on how to love herself until another person loves her.”
The actress added that Levinson had mentioned the broad outlines of Cassie’s season 3 story along with her years earlier than filming started, together with her marriage to Nate (performed by Jacob Elordi) and the more and more chaotic course her life would take.
Sam Levinson Beforehand Praised Sydney Sweeney’s ‘Fearless’ Efficiency
Levinson’s newest feedback aren’t the primary time he’s spoken out about the controversial storyline. As The Blast beforehand reported, the filmmaker revealed that he initially thought of filming Cassie’s OnlyFans scenes with out nudity, however stated Sweeney rapidly pushed again on the concept.
“After I first wrote it … I believed, ‘Nicely, perhaps, we shoot all of this, and we don’t have any nudity,’” Levinson recalled. “I used to be speaking to her about, perhaps, there’s methods to shoot round sure [things], and he or she checked out me, and he or she’s like, ‘Are you kidding? I’m enjoying an OnlyFans mannequin.’”
Levinson went on to clarify that he repeatedly collaborates with actors when growing scenes and character arcs, however stated Sweeney totally embraced the inventive challenges that got here with Cassie’s remaining chapter.
Sam Levinson Calls Sydney Sweeney ‘Fearless’ Amid Backlash
The “Euphoria” creator described the actress as “fearless” and praised her willingness to take dangers in service of the position.
“I feel she’s a very fearless actor. She’s additionally simply splendidly skilled, and reveals up simply sport day by day,” he stated. “I am keen on working along with her, as a result of there’s such a flexibility by way of the efficiency.”
His remarks echoed Sweeney’s personal protection of Cassie’s storyline, with each star and creator sustaining that the character’s actions had been rooted in her ongoing seek for love, validation, and self-worth.
