This is Why Hunter Schafer Almost Turned Down Playing Jules on Euphoria

Euphoria Season 2 wrapped with a nail-biting finale back in February (are Ashtray and Fez going to be okay?!) and if you’re feeling the absence of HBO’s hit teen show the way that we are, some interesting casting insights were revealed that’ll hold you over until we know more about Season 3.

Here’s a tidbit that you might find interesting — Euphoria’s casting director Jennifer Venditti revealed that fan-favorite character Jules was almost played by a different actress. We can’t imagine the ethereal, whimsical, manic pixie dream girl character being played by anyone other than Hunter Schafer, but the Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes actress initially declined the role for Season 1.

Jennifer Venditti explained to Variety that Hunter’s initial hesitations were due to the graphic nature of the gritty teen show, saying, “I reached out to her agent and they originally passed. [The actor] had to be open to any kind of sexual situations. So imagine that you were not really thinking of acting, and someone brings an opportunity with possible nudity.”

Jules was Hunter’s breakout acting role. She had previously been a model before joining the HBO cast, and understandably expressed uncertainty when it came to the more risqué Euphoria scenes as she explored the possibility of dipping her toe into the world of television. Jennifer described how she went about addressing those concerns with Hunter, saying, “I was like, ‘Can we just meet?’ Obviously, I’d respect her decision if that was something that, ultimately, she wasn’t comfortable with, but I didn’t feel comfortable just not having a discussion about it to see what her thoughts were and to explain what it was.”

And when it came to the audition process for the role of Jules (long before Euphoria high school ever graced our screens) Jennifer shared that Hunter was a natural. “She also did something that I think is so beautiful: when it was time for the other young woman to do a scene that was hers, she showed up for her,” she explained. “[Hunter] was so present and so natural with these other scenes that weren’t hers. You find that with good actors, that’s what they do for each other.”

We’re glad you took the iconic role, Hunter. Now….Season 3 trailer? 👀

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