Sam Levinson Pitching Rue’s Death to Zendaya Was ‘Tough’
The heartbreaking decision to pitch Rue’s death in the series finale of “Euphoria” to Zendaya was not an easy one, as revealed by the show’s creator Sam Levinson. In an interview with Variety’s Daniel D’Addario for the “Half Hour With” series, Levinson shared the emotional reaction that occurred when he discussed the season and the ending with Zendaya.
Zendaya’s portrayal of Rue has been praised for its charm, lovability, and humor, qualities that Levinson attributes to her exceptional acting skills. The character of Rue holds a special place in the hearts of the audience, making the decision to end her story a difficult one for both Levinson and Zendaya. However, Levinson explained that it was important to honor Angus Cloud, the actor who played Fezco and tragically passed away at a young age due to a drug overdose.
The narrative arc of Season 3 was largely inspired by Cloud’s untimely death, with Rue’s struggles mirroring those of Fezco. In the final episode, Rue succumbs to the lure of painkillers laced with fentanyl, leading to her tragic death. The emotional weight of filming such a poignant scene was lightened by the presence of Colman Domingo, a longtime collaborator and mentor to Zendaya, who added authenticity and meaning to the sequence.
Levinson also shared insights into the creative process behind the show, revealing his original idea for the opening sequence of Season 3. Originally envisioning Rue swimming across the Rio Grande, Levinson’s plans changed after seeing a photo of a Jeep stuck on a border wall at the DEA offices. This image inspired the gripping scene of Rue attempting to drive her beat-up Jeep over the U.S.-Mexico border, showcasing her reckless and impulsive nature.
The full conversation between Levinson and D’Addario delves deeper into the creative choices and emotional journey of bringing “Euphoria” to life. As fans eagerly await the next season, the legacy of Rue and the impact of her story continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
