"Euphoria" creator Sam Levinson has found himself in the hot seat after the internet erupted over a controversial storyline in the show's latest season. Sunday’s Season 3 premiere, where Sydney Sweeney’s character, Cassie Howard, embarks on an OnlyFans career, has ignited a firestorm of reactions. Fans took to social media to express their discomfort over the provocative costumes Cassie dons, including outfits reminiscent of a baby and a dog.
“[Cassie] has got her dog house and her little dog ears and the nose, and that has its own humor, but what makes the scene is the fact that her housekeeper is the one filming it,” Levinson explained, sharing his vision with the Hollywood Reporter.
Levinson, alongside the show's director of photography, Marcell Rév, delved into how they crafted the polarizing scene. “We wanted to find another layer of absurdity,” Levinson said, aiming to break the fantasy with humor. Rév added that the setting was deliberately chosen to clash – a mid-century home with a ‘70s vibe, enhancing the scene's quirky aesthetic.
Yet, despite the creative intentions, many viewers were left unsettled. “Why did this girl accept the role?” questioned a Twitter user, reflecting the mixed public sentiment. The show's unique take on OnlyFans aesthetics left some fans puzzled and others outright displeased.
While Levinson embraces the bold narrative choices, he acknowledged the “gnarly and jarring” choices made to highlight the darker side of Cassie's new gig. The reaction online was swift and varied, with some fans questioning Sweeney's decision to take on such a role. The upcoming season promises more drama as the show’s beloved characters navigate their 20s.
Fans can catch new episodes of “Euphoria” every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on HBO. With Cassie set to marry Nate Jacobs, played by Jacob Elordi, the season is gearing up for a thrilling ride.
The storyline continues to be a talking point, highlighting the risks and rewards of pushing creative boundaries on television.