Zendaya joined 'Euphoria' because of how fast she read the script even though she 'hates reading' them

The show is based on an Israeli TV show of the same name but focuses on a troubled teenager who's struggling with drug addiction
PUBLISHED JUN 3, 2019

Zendaya is all set to play Rue, the central character on HBO's 'Euphoria' which is all set to premiere on June 16.

The show follows a bunch of high-school students as they navigate "drugs, sex, identity, trauma, social media, love, and friendship", and is created and written by Sam Levinson.

The show is based on an Israeli TV show of the same name which revolves around the infamous murder case of Ra'anan Levy.

While the Israeli drama focused on Levy's murder, 'Euphoria' seems to shift its focus to Zendaya's character Rue, a troubled teenager who's struggling with drug addiction. 

Zendaya as Rue in a still from HBO's 'Euphoria' (Image: YouTube)

In her recent interview with Vogue, Zendaya said that she picked up 'Euphoria' because of how fast she read through the script, even though she hates reading scripts.

The 22-year-old actor added that she had to rely on Sam Levinson to understand how Rue's character worked.

She said that the series is the most "exciting, exhausting but fulfilling thing" she has ever done.

"I can only understand how her brain works so much, you know," the actor said about the character. "I have to heavily rely on our writer, creator and director Sam Levinson because he is basically Rue," she added. 

Zendaya added that she hopes that the show makes audiences "feel something," just like its trailer and social media posts have been saying all along.

Speaking about the show's plot, Nika King, who plays Rue's mother Leslie on the show, said: "I think Zendaya’s character has a story to tell and fans are going on a journey with her. Even though it’s a remake, Euphoria is its own reality of what a drug-addicted teenager faces on a daily basis." 

Zendaya also spoke about her role as Michelle Jones (a.k.a. MJ) in 'Spider-Man: Far From Home'.

When asked about the qualities she shares with her character, Zendaya says MJ is "a little bit of a loner and kind of like an introvert. So, that's me." She also described herself as "shy" and a "little bit of a control freak" during the interview.

'Euphoria' also stars Maude Apatow, Brian "Astro" Bradley, Eric Dane, Angus Cloud, Alexa Demie, Jacob Elordi, Hunter Schafer, Austin Abrams, and Sydney Sweeney.

Drake is a producer on the show.

'Euphoria' premieres on HBO on June 16.

If you have an entertainment scoop or a story for us, please reach out to us on (323) 421-7515

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

'My Life With the Walter Boys' Season 3 expanded its cast with three new additions ahead of its 2026 return
22 minutes ago
From Will and Lisa's parting of ways to Hilary's new venture, the 'Bel-Air' finale brought each character to a new crossroads
1 hour ago
The chilling case documents the murder of Kathleen Peterson and the subsequent trial of her husband, novelist Michael Peterson
2 hours ago
'The Boys' Season 5 trailer offers a first look at Jensen Ackles reuniting with his 'Supernatural' co-star Jared Padalecki
3 hours ago
With the 2026 Golden Globe nominations now revealed, we're looking ahead to the 83rd ceremony, scheduled for January 11
3 hours ago
The debut season of 'Paradise' ended on a massive cliffhanger that thrilled audiences
4 hours ago
The winner of the Mic Drop Button will perform at the 137th Rose Parade on New Year's Day
6 hours ago
The release date was announced at the show's panel during CCXP in São Paulo earlier
21 hours ago
'Mayor of Kingstown' Season 4 Episode 8, titled 'Belleville', will decide the fate of Mike's brother, Kyle, and Warden Nina Hobbs
1 day ago
Andy Muschietti has revealed the future plan for HBO's hit supernatural horror series, 'IT: Welcome to Derry'
1 day ago