Sydney Sweeney Earns Acclaim for Shakespearean Performance in Euphoria
Sydney Sweeney has once again captivated Euphoria viewers, but this time it is her acting prowess rather than her nude scenes that has drawn attention. The 28-year-old actress has received widespread praise following the release of a preview for Sunday's episode of the HBO Max series on Friday.
While the scene does feature Sweeney's signature cleavage, it is her delivery of a monologue from William Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra that has truly impressed fans. One viewer commented, 'Hate her all you want but she’s carrying Season 3 on her back.' Another wrote, 'I think she’s definitely a great actor! Glad we are seeing her in a different light.' A third added, 'Honestly speaking she's winning an Emmy. Sydney is head and above everyone right now in season three. Absolutely SLAYING IT!'
Even those who have previously criticized Sweeney were won over. One fan admitted, 'Unfortunately for us Sydney haters, she is carrying this show, OMG.'
Until now, Sweeney has faced backlash from Euphoria viewers over her character Cassie's explicit nude scenes. In the current season, Cassie has turned to OnlyFans to make ends meet, and director Sam Levinson has not shied away from depicting the X-rated aspects of online sex work. Some scenes have featured Sweeney in disturbing outfits, including a diaper-wearing toddler and a pet dog.
Viewers were particularly taken aback by Cassie's 'puppy play' exploits, which prompted Levinson to defend the scenes. He told The Hollywood Reporter, 'Cassie has got her dog house and her little dog ears and the nose, and that has its own humour, but what makes the scene is the fact that her housekeeper is the one filming it.' He added, 'What we wanted to always find is the other layer of absurdity that we're able to tie into it so that we're not too inside of her fantasy or illusion - the gag is to jump out, to break the wall.'
Speaking about her character's OnlyFans career at the season three premiere, Sweeney told Entertainment Tonight, 'I mean, Cassie's a crazy character. She will do anything and at all costs to be famous this season, and she makes a lot of very wild and interesting choices.'
Since its debut in 2019, Euphoria has been known for pushing boundaries with its graphic portrayal of teenage drug use, sex, and violence. Despite scathing reviews and pearl-clutching reactions to the latest season, the series remains a ratings juggernaut. According to Variety, the second episode of season three attracted 8.5 million viewers across HBO and HBO Max in its first three days in the US alone. These figures are similar to the season premiere, demonstrating Euphoria's staying power. Ratings have significantly surpassed season two, with Euphoria even dethroning the blockbuster medical drama The Pitt at the top of HBO Max's streaming chart.
