Barbie Ferreira officially confirmed the sad news that she will not be returning for the third season of HBO drama Euphoria. Her announcement was posted to her Instagram story yesterday.
“After four years of getting to embody the most special and enigmatic character Kat, I’m having to say a very teary-eyed goodbye,” she wrote. The 25-year-old played Katherine Hernandez in the Zendaya-led show. Her character had a unique storyline, starting in the first season, as a body-conscious teen who eventually starts pursuing online sex work. However, in the second season, her screen time was seemingly cut as her character explored a relationship with Ethan (Austin Abrams).
“I hope many of you could see yourself in her like i did and that she brought you joy to see her journey into the character she is today,” she continued. “i put all my care and love into her and I hope you guys could feel it. love you katherine hernandez.” Her statement appeared alongside co-star Hunter Schafer’s fan art.
This announcement came a few months after rumors speculated there was tension on the set between Ferrerira and the show’s director and writer Sam Levinson. Allegedly there was a heated argument between the two that led to Ferreira walking off set. It was reported to have started over a disagreement on the story direction of Kat. During this time, sources told to The Daily Beast, the set of the show was not adhering to SAG-AFTRA stipulations which included 15 to 17-hour set days and a lack of food.
Ferreira has, since then, addressed the rumors and denied claims to Insider in March 2022. “I really think that the fans are really passionate and I do appreciate that because ‘Euphoria’ has really impacted so many people,” she said. “Sometimes, things take on a life of their own, and they’re not rooted in the truth, but it’s okay because I know it’s just out of passion and out of curiosity and all that good stuff. And I signed up for it. So, I’ll take it. I’ll take the good and the bad.”
Though Euphoria fans have been upset to see Kat’s character exit, Ferreira’s career is just getting started. Recently starring in the 2020 film Unpregnant and making an appearance in Jordan Peele’s horror film Nope, there is still a lot in store for Ferreira in the future.
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