‘Euphoria’ Creator Sam Levinson On Using Tried-And-True Formula To Inject New Blood Into His Cast: “A Lot Of It’s Instinctual”
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- Sam Levinson says his casting approach is instinctual, choosing actors who feel right and surrounding them with complementary talent to spark chemistry.
- Zendaya is lauded for her Cary‑Grant‑esque charm and physical comedy, and she has won back‑to‑back Emmys for playing Rue Bennett.
- Adewale Akinnuoye‑Agbaje was cast as the season‑3 antagonist Alamo Brown, a role inspired by Western icons like Jim Brown, Eli Wallach, and Woody Strode.
- Marshawn Lynch joins the cast as an Alamo henchman, bringing “electricity and unpredictability,” while Darrell Britt‑Gibson provides a stoic contrast as Bishop.
- Rosalía makes her series debut as a stripper at The Silver Slipper, appearing alongside Anna Van Patten; the season also adds Sharon Stone, Natasha Lyonne, and Danielle Deadwyler.
- Mary Vernieu stresses that each new actor must meet the high talent bar set by the original cast and contribute a unique element that the others cannot.
- Euphoria earned 25 Emmy nominations and nine wins across its first two seasons, including back‑to‑back awards for Zendaya and a guest‑actor win for Colman Domingo.
Why it matters: Levinson’s instinctual casting secures a cohesive chemistry that preserves the series’ signature ‘magic,’ giving the show a stronger chance at awards and viewership while giving breakout actors high‑profile exposure. It shows that prioritizing instinct over star power can open doors for non‑traditional talent like former NFL player Marshawn Lynch and singer Rosalía.
