In a recent interview, Barbie Ferreira discussed her departure from the hit HBO series “Euphoria.” The talented actress revealed that her decision was driven by a desire to pursue roles that better reflect her talents and interests as an actress. She didn’t want to continue portraying the stereotypical role of “the fat best friend.
Ferreira also shared that she left the show because she believed its creator, Sam Levinson, did not fully understand or relate to her character, Kat Hernandez.
Keep on reading to learn more.
Barbie Ferreira On Why She Departed ‘Euphoria’
Barbie Ferreira, the talented actress who portrayed Kat Hernandez in the popular HBO series “Euphoria,” recently revealed the real reason behind her departure, saying it was a “mutual decision.” The 26-year-old shared that her exit came after considering her character’s trajectory and where her story could lead.
In the first two seasons, Ferreira’s character struggles with body image issues while navigating the challenges of high school. However, fans noticed a decline in Kat’s screen time when the show returned for a second season, sparking speculation of a rift between Ferreira and the showrunner, Sam Levinson. Ferreira subsequently left the show, adding fuel to these rumors.
Leaving ‘Euphoria’ Was A ‘Mutual Decision’
During an appearance on the “Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard” podcast Monday, Ferreira Ferreira addressed the rumored feud with Levinson and clarified that it had nothing to do with her decision to leave the series.
Ferreira mentioned that some people had approached her assuming she was unhappy with her role in season two, but she insisted that “it’s good.” She also disclosed that although she suffered an injury during filming, the incident did not contribute to her decision to leave. “I did not walk off-set. I did sprain my ankle once and had to get an X-ray. Maybe that’s what they mean?” she said, per Insider.
Instead, Ferreira clarified her exit from the show was a “mutual decision” between her and the creators, as they felt that Kat’s story arc had run its course.
Barbie Ferreira Says She Didn’t Want To Play The ‘Fat Best Friend’ Role
According to Ferreira, finding a meaningful storyline for Kat in season two of the Emmy-winning HBO series was a struggle. She explained, “I don’t think there was a place for her to go.”
“I think there were places she could have gone. I don’t think it would have fit into the show. I don’t know if it would do her justice,” she added.
Ferreira also expressed her desire to move away from the stereotypical “fat best friend” role and pursue other parts that challenged her as an actress. She added that the show’s creators shared this sentiment and supported her decision to leave. “I think both parties knew I wanted to be able not to be the fat best friend. I don’t want to play that, and I think they didn’t want that either.”
Moreover, Ferreira also highlighted that filming a season of “Euphoria” takes around nine months. It didn’t make sense for her to spend most of her year filming a show where her role had become increasingly limited.
Barbie Ferreira Claims Sam Levinson Did Not Relate To Her Character
In the first season, Ferreira saw her character go on a journey of self-discovery and even became an underaged cam-girl. However, season two felt like a struggle. The actress revealed that it was hurtful to see fans get upset about the direction of her character in the show’s second season, which focused mainly on her relationship with a classmate named Ethan.
“I just felt like, maybe, I overstayed my welcome. So, I felt good to be like, ‘Okay, I get to not worry about this, and we both don’t get too worried about this,’ because it’s exhausting,” she said.
She added, per Insider, “Sam writes for things that he relates to. I don’t think he relates to Kat. I like Kat, so I get to go on my path. At first, I was like, ‘Oh, my God, I’m a flop. I’m a loser.’ It has been a good thing.”
Ferreira is currently set to star alongside “Stranger Things” actor Dacre Montgomery in the upcoming remake of the movie, “Faces of Death.”
