Actress Sydney Sweeney delves into the unforgettable hot tub scene from “Euphoria” Season 2 during a recent appearance on First We Feast’s “Hot Ones.” The 26-year-old star, known for her role as Cassie Howard in the hit series, walked host Sean Evans through the intricacies of the controversial moment that left a lasting impression on viewers.
The hot tub scene unfolded as part of a storyline in Season 2, where Sweeney’s character, Cassie, betrays her best friend, Maddy, by secretly engaging in a romantic encounter with Maddy’s on-again-off-again boyfriend, Nate. As the narrative unfolds, Cassie witnesses her best friend and lover together, leading her to seek solace in alcohol. In a later heated argument between Maddy and Nate, Cassie emotionally cries and vomits into the hot tub.
Sweeney shared behind-the-scenes insights into the creation of the scene, highlighting the effort invested in making it visually impactful. According to the actress, “Euphoria” director Sam Levinson envisioned a scenario with vomit everywhere, prompting the use of a pump and a hidden pipe taped to her body. The production team utilized computer-generated imagery (CGI) to remove the pipe from the final edit, creating a seamless and disturbing visual effect.
Describing the process, Sweeney explained, “During that scene, they’re filling my mouth with throwup. And then I opened my mouth, and it just starts shooting out my mouth. And it was the most disgusting thing I ever experienced.”
The actress also touched upon her diverse roles in other projects, such as Olivia Mossbacher in “The White Lotus,” Eden Spencer in “The Handmaid’s Tale,” and her upcoming portrayal of Julia Carpenter in Marvel’s “Madame Web.” Sweeney revealed her unique acting technique, which involves writing journals from the perspective of each character she plays.
However, she noted that Cassie’s journal stood out as the most developed, akin to a “personal memoir” due to her extensive time spent portraying the character across two seasons. Sweeney emphasized the growth and evolution of Cassie’s character, making her journal a fascinating exploration of the role.
The interview provided fans with a deeper understanding of the intricate and sometimes challenging aspects of creating memorable scenes in popular television series like “Euphoria.” Sydney Sweeney’s candid revelations shed light on the dedication and creativity that go into crafting impactful moments that resonate with audiences.