Euphoria Creator Sam Levinson on Sydney Sweeney's Bold Approach to Intimate Scenes

Sydney Sweeney's portrayal of Cassie in Euphoria's third season has generated considerable buzz, particularly around the character's work as an OnlyFans model and the intimate scenes that storyline required.

In a recent appearance on The New York Times' "Popcast" podcast on June 1, creator Sam Levinson discussed his creative process with the actor, explaining that Sweeney was instrumental in shaping how those scenes would be handled.

Levinson initially considered filming the material without nudity, exploring ways to shoot around certain moments. When he broached this idea with Sweeney, her response caught him off guard. "She looked at me and she's like, 'Are you kidding? I'm playing an OnlyFans model. You're telling me you're going to skirt around it?'" Levinson recalled, adding that her point was well taken.

"I was like, 'Yeah, okay. That's a fair point,'" he said, noting that the final approach involved ongoing conversations about what would best serve the character.

On the logistics of intimate scenes, Levinson outlined the protective measures in place. "If they're comfortable, they get the role, then the next layer is the intimacy coordinator," he explained. He also noted that Screen Actors Guild rules provide actors with an important safeguard: if someone becomes uncomfortable after being cast, they cannot be forced to perform the scene.

Levinson spoke glowingly of Sweeney's professionalism and range. "I think she's a totally fearless actor," he said, praising her willingness to take creative risks. "She's also just wonderfully professional, and shows up just game every day."

He highlighted how her flexibility as a performer allows for spontaneous creative choices on set. "I can say, 'Why don't we try this scene just a little crazier, with a little more humor.' Suddenly, this whole other version of the scene can come out just based on her performance," Levinson explained.

The creator also reflected on the satirical elements of depicting the OnlyFans world. "We're tackling this world of OnlyFans where women are being paid to whisper into an ear-shaped microphone and lick it. There is a level of absurdity to it that is just fun," he said.