Zendaya, the acclaimed actress behind Euphoria’s Rue Bennett, has opened up about the emotional challenges she faced during the first two seasons of the hit HBO series. As filming for the highly anticipated third season begins in January, Zendaya reflects on how the role has tested her physically and mentally. In an interview with fellow actress Nicole Kidman for Variety’s Actors On Actors series, Zendaya reveals some of the “really, really tough days” she faced while bringing the character of Rue— a recovering drug addict— to life.
Zendaya’s Role as Rue Bennett: A Tough Yet Rewarding Experience
For Zendaya, the role of Rue Bennett in Euphoria has been both incredibly fulfilling and emotionally taxing. The character’s struggles with addiction, mental health, and relationships present a challenge for the actress every time she steps on set. In her conversation with Nicole Kidman, Zendaya recalled the exhaustion and emotional strain she felt while portraying Rue in the first two seasons.
“I was like, ‘And cut. And now we’re gonna talk about, what are we doing later today… just talk about normal stuff,’” Zendaya shared, referring to the disconnect between her character’s intense moments and the need to quickly shift back into everyday life. “I don’t want to talk about what Rue just went through,” she added. “It kind of, I guess, it can seem a little jarring.”
Despite the tough days, Zendaya maintains that the emotional weight of the role is worth it, especially knowing that Euphoria resonates deeply with many viewers. “There’s someone who’s gonna watch this and it’s gonna mean a lot to them,” she said, underscoring the impact her portrayal has on audiences.
Zendaya and Nicole Kidman Discuss the Emotional Toll of Intense Roles
During the interview, Kidman, who plays a woman facing emotional and physical abuse in Big Little Lies, also spoke about the toll that portraying such intense characters can take. “It was exhausting, but it was also just emotionally disturbing,” Kidman said, referring to her experience filming Babygirl and her role as Celeste in Big Little Lies.
Kidman discussed how playing roles with such deep emotional complexities can blur the line between fiction and reality, making it difficult to distinguish between the character’s experiences and her own. “I couldn’t tell what was real and what wasn’t,” Kidman said. “So it was just like, ‘this is hard’, and I would have the real bruises on my back and body… my brain would say, ‘Well, hold on, you’re hurt.’”
Zendaya resonated with Kidman’s experience, explaining how the intensity of Euphoria often stayed with her after the cameras stopped rolling. She described how she would shift from emotionally heavy scenes to lighter, everyday moments with ease, trying her best to leave the weight of Rue’s struggles at work. However, as Zendaya notes, sometimes it’s difficult to fully separate herself from the character.
The Unique Challenges of Playing Rue Bennett
Zendaya’s portrayal of Rue Bennett in Euphoria requires her to delve deep into the emotional and physical tolls of addiction. Her character grapples with complex themes of substance abuse, trauma, and self-worth, which means Zendaya often has to confront dark and heavy material on set.
“The emotional exhaustion is worth it, because it’s not about me. It’s about somebody who’s gonna watch this and feel less alone,” Zendaya emphasized. She shared that although playing Rue comes with challenges, it’s ultimately rewarding to know that the story could help someone who is struggling or relate to the experience portrayed on screen.
Despite the emotional strain, Zendaya also mentioned the necessity of taking breaks from the character, jokingly adding that one moment she could be ordering food or laughing with the crew, and then immediately going into an intense scene where she has to cry or knock down a door.
This juxtaposition of emotions—shifting quickly from light-hearted moments to heavy emotional scenes—is one of the unique aspects of playing Rue. Zendaya’s ability to separate her personal emotions from the intense portrayal of Rue’s struggles shows her professionalism and dedication to her craft.
Zendaya’s Growing Career and Future Plans
In addition to her role in Euphoria, Zendaya has become a household name for her work in blockbuster films. She starred in Dune: Part One and will return for Dune: Part Two, showcasing her versatility as an actress. She also co-hosted the 2023 Met Gala and continues to expand her presence in both film and television.
While Zendaya has garnered significant recognition for her acting, her role in Euphoria remains a standout. It’s a testament to her talent that she has brought Rue to life so powerfully, resonating with millions of viewers across the globe. Fans eagerly await the release of the third season, set to start production in January 2024.
Conclusion: Zendaya’s Commitment to Rue and Euphoria
Zendaya’s reflections on playing Rue Bennett offer an inside look into the emotional complexity of portraying a character battling addiction. While the role has posed significant emotional and physical challenges for the actress, Zendaya remains committed to bringing authenticity to Rue’s journey. The impact of Euphoria—which has resonated deeply with its audience—makes it all worthwhile for Zendaya.
As Euphoria fans anticipate the new season, Zendaya’s candidness about her experience gives us a deeper appreciation for the commitment and dedication she brings to her work. Zendaya continues to prove that acting is not just about performing, but about giving a voice to the characters who touch the hearts of viewers around the world.
