Sydney Sweeney Discusses Her Character's OnlyFans Storyline in 'Euphoria' Season 3
Sydney Sweeney has spoken extensively about her character Cassie Howard's controversial OnlyFans storyline in the third and final season of HBO's 'Euphoria,' saying she approached the explicit material as a professional actor committed to creator Sam Levinson's vision. Sweeney explained that Cassie's pursuit of OnlyFans fame stems from a deep need for external validation and love, and she confirmed that Levinson consulted her about nudity before filming. She also revealed that a pole-dancing scene she trained for was cut from the season, and expressed hope it will be released as bonus footage.
In interviews with Vanity Fair and Variety published this week, Sydney Sweeney reflected on playing Cassie Howard through the final season of 'Euphoria,' which followed the character's marriage to Nate Jacobs (Jacob Elordi) and rise as an OnlyFans model. Sweeney said Cassie's choices make psychological sense given the character's lifelong need for external love and validation, noting she 'doesn't know how to love herself unless someone else loves her.' On the question of nudity, Sweeney said creator Sam Levinson sent her the scripts in advance and called her to discuss the scenes, and that she told him she was 'playing a character' — a role she distinguished clearly from her own personal choices. Levinson had previously told The New York Times that he initially considered shooting around nudity, but Sweeney pushed back, reportedly asking, 'Are you kidding? I'm playing an OnlyFans model.' Sweeney also disclosed that a scene in which Cassie gets drunk at a strip club and pole dances — for which Sweeney took lessons — was cut before the final episode aired, and she said Levinson suggested releasing it as deleted or behind-the-scenes footage. Separately, speaking to Variety, Sweeney said she will never feel fully satisfied with Cassie's ending because she believes there is more of the character's story left to tell, describing Cassie's final image as being 'trapped in her own dollhouse.'
What's missing
None of the sources detail the specific episode numbers or airdate context for the cut pole-dancing scene, nor do they clarify whether Levinson has formally committed to releasing it as bonus content or whether HBO has approved such a release.
How coverage differed
Fox News framed Sweeney's comments primarily as a 'defense' of nudity and noted prior fan backlash labeling the storyline 'humiliating,' lending a more critical tone to the coverage. The Hollywood Reporter and Variety presented the same quotes in a straightforwardly professional context, emphasizing Sweeney's artistic commitment and collaborative relationship with Levinson without foregrounding controversy.
What different sources said
- New York PostRight
Sydney Sweeney reveals true thoughts on ‘Euphoria’ character’s raunchy OnlyFans storyline
- Entertainment WeeklyCenter
Sydney Sweeney hopes cut Euphoria pole-dancing scene is released: 'I put a lot of hard work into that'
- VarietyCenter
Sydney Sweeney on Being Sexualized in ‘Euphoria,’ Crying Over Rue’s Death and Why She’ll Never Be ‘Satisfied With Where Cassie Ended Up’
- The Hollywood ReporterCenter
Sydney Sweeney on Bringing “Sam’s Vision to Life” With Cassie’s OnlyFans Storyline in ‘Euphoria’
- SlashFilmCenter
How Euphoria Star Sydney Sweeney Really Feels About Cassie's Ending
- Fox NewsRight
Sydney Sweeney defends 'Euphoria' nudity and reveals a pole dancing scene was cut from season three
- Vanity FairCenter
Sydney Sweeney Talks 'Euphoria' Ending, the OnlyFans Controversy, and Navigating Fame
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