After stealing scenes in both The Greatest Showman [1] and Spider-Man: Homecoming [2], Zendaya [3]'s latest project is a lead role in HBO's new series Euphoria [4]. According to Variety, the show is an adaptation of an Israeli series [5]. After ordering the pilot in March, HBO officially picked up the series in July [6], adding the creators of the Israeli series as executive producers and tapping The Wizard of Lies' Sam Levinson to write all 10 episodes. Not only that, it was also confirmed in July, that Euphoria will be returning for a second season [7].
Keep reading for all the — spoiler free — details about the cast, plot, and more, and stay tuned for further updates!
Zendaya Is Set to Star in the Lead Role
Zendaya [8] will be playing the lead role of Rue, the aforementioned lying, drug-addicted 17-year-old girl.
It's Based on an Israeli Series of the Same Name
The new HBO show is based on the same format as a 10-part drama [9] that aired on Israel's HOT3 from 2012 to 2013. Variety describes Euphoria [10] as "the story of drugs, sex, identity, social media, love and friendship all told by a lying, drug-addicted 17-year-old girl." The series follows a group of high school kids attempting to cope with an uncertain future and gives an inside look at the "brutality of teen existence today." [11] Sounds like something fans of 13 Reasons Why [12] would definitely enjoy!
The Production Team
Texas filmmaker Augustine Frizzell directed and produced the pilot. The Hollywood Reporter broke the news that Drake joined the series as executive producer [13], along with Future the Prince and the creators of the original Israeli series.
The Cast Has Some Other Familiar Faces
Also starring are The Kissing Booth [14]'s Jacob Elordi [15] and A Wrinkle in Time [16] star Storm Reid, along with with Maude Apatow, Brian "Astro" Bradley, Angus Cloud, Eric Dane [17], Alexa Demie, Barbie Ferreira, Nika King, Hunter Schafer, and Sydney Sweeney.
This Is Where You Can Watch Euphoria In the UK
All eight episodes of the first season of Euphoria [18] will land on Sky Atlantic's streaming service, Now TV [19], on Tuesday Aug. 6. If you'd prefer to watch Euphoria week by week, it will also air Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on Sky Atlantic, starting from Tuesday Aug. 6.