The third and last season of “Euphoria” generated intense debate amongst followers, with a lot of the dialog centered round Cassie Howard’s stunning OnlyFans storyline and Sydney Sweeney‘s more and more express 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 reputation of platforms like OnlyFans.
After months of criticism from viewers and on-line commentators, Levinson is standing by the artistic selections that formed Cassie’s last season arc.
Showing on “Real Time With Bill Maher,” the “Euphoria” creator defined that he considered OnlyFans as a significant cultural power price exploring fairly than a distinct segment subject. “If you happen to take a look at OnlyFans, it’s making as a lot cash as Hollywood. I imply, basically, 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 folks could also be drawn to on-line platforms that provide each monetary rewards and validation. “And so for those who’re younger, you’re going … ‘I don’t need to go work in a 9 to 5 at this place or that factor. Effectively, perhaps I can simply begin taking pictures of myself?’” he defined.
Reasonably than glorifying that path, Levinson stated he needed to discover the emotional penalties that may come from constructing self-worth round consideration from strangers on-line.
In accordance with Levinson, Cassie’s journey wasn’t nearly on-line intercourse work. It was additionally in regards to the affect social media and web tradition have on younger folks’s sense of identification.
“What occurs when you already know, as a youngster, 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, nicely, ‘How do I generate profits?’” he stated.
The filmmaker added that he was inquisitive about inspecting the long-term results of chasing consideration and fast success on-line. “You recognize, we take a reasonably essential take a look at it. It hollows out the person,” he stated. “You recognize, you’re continuously 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 folks to continuously market themselves on-line.
Sydney Sweeney Backed The Character’s Evolution
In a current 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 folks,” Sweeney defined. “She doesn’t know how one can 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-about filming Cassie’s OnlyFans scenes with out nudity, however stated Sweeney rapidly pushed again on the thought.
“After I first wrote it … I assumed, ‘Effectively, 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 she or he checked out me, and she or he’s like, ‘Are you kidding? I’m enjoying an OnlyFans mannequin.’”
Levinson went on to clarify that he frequently collaborates with actors when creating scenes and character arcs, however stated Sweeney totally embraced the artistic challenges that got here with Cassie’s last 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 each day,” he stated. “I am keen on working along with her, as a result of there’s such a flexibility when it comes to 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.
