Euphoria's Alexa Demie clarifies those rumors that she plans on leaving Hollywood.
Since the show's premiere on HBO in 2019, Demie has played Maddy, one of the main characters alongside those played by Sydney Sweeney, Zendaya, and Jacob Elordi. Euphoria season 3 is now nearing its end and Maddy is once again playing a prominent role, but the internet has been awash with rumors that Demie is considering leaving acting entirely.
Speaking with THR, Demie reveals that internet speculation that she's quitting the profession isn't quite accurate. Though there was a period early in her career when she questioned whether there was room for her in Hollywood as a Latina actor, she stresses that she's not leaving acting anytime soon. As Demie explains:
“I was reading it, and it really hit me — and I kept having that experience. I was sick of going into those rooms, and this was during that time when you’re young and every few months you’re just like, ‘I’m quitting, I’m quitting.’ But knowing me, I never would have quit. I’m more of the energy of like, ‘No, I’m going to show you I can do it.’”
The rumors began to circulate as season 3 premiered in mid-April. In a 2020 episode of The A24 Podcast, Demie told Nathan Fielder (The Curse) that during the earlier years of her career she questioned whether she wanted to continue auditioning when it seemed like most parts she wanted were going to white actresses. Demie's comments on the podcast were then taken out of context and posted online.
The rumors were further strengthened by Demie's general lack of press appearances. The Euphoria actor appeared in promotional interviews for season 1, since it was part of her contract, but she's been largely out of the public eye in recent years. Unlike Zendaya, Sweeney, and Elordi, Demie also hasn't rocketed to movie-star fame, instead choosing to appear in fewer and smaller acting gigs since 2020.
Demie setting the record straight on her acting retirement comes ahead of the Euphoria season 3 finale. There's been a great deal of uncertainty regarding whether the upcoming finale is the end of season 3 or of the show more broadly. As of writing, the show has not been renewed for a fourth season, and there have been mixed updates from the creatives involved about whether it will continue.
Zendaya, who plays Rue, recently made comments that suggested the upcoming episode will be a series finale. While visiting the Drew Barrymore Show, Zendaya said, "I think so” when asked if season 3 is the end. She then added that "Closure is coming."
Series creator Sam Levinson subsequently addressed this same question, suggesting that he currently has no plans for season 4. Levinson told The New York Times:
"I write every season like it’s the last. If inspiration strikes and I have an idea, then I’ll talk to HBO. If it makes sense, it makes sense. But it’s such a long shoot, and we put so much into it, from every department — costumes, production design, editorial, cinematography. We just want to get this season right. So if this is it, great. If there’s more …"
If the show does return for season 4, Demie's comments suggest that viewers can expect to see Maddy back on the small-screen. If season 4 does happen, it's likely many years away, however, and Demie currently has no major projects lined up. When Euphoria ends next week, then, this could be the last audiences see of Demie for a while.
The Euphoria season 3 finale airs on HBO on Sunday, May 31, at 9 p.m.
