NEED TO KNOW
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Alexa Demie spoke about Barbie Ferreira's departure from TV series "Euphoria"« in a new interview with the publication The Hollywood Reporter.
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Demi said she was "upset" by Ferreira's departure, but "really respected" her decision to leave the show.
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Ferreira previously stated that her departure was a mutual decision, as attempts to expand her character's storyline "didn't work out.".
Alexa Demie has spoken out about Barbie Ferreira's departure from TV series "Euphoria"« .
In a recent interview with the publication The Hollywood Reporter Demi, 35, spoke about Ferreira's decision to leave the HBO series after two seasons.
«"I was upset, but I really respect her decision; she needs to take care of herself," Demi said. "It's a brave thing to do.".
The actress also spoke about the long wait for the third season. «"Euphoria »", which was repeatedly delayed from its second season finale in 2022 until its final return on April 12, 2026. The series aired on May 31, 2026, and will not be renewed for a fourth season.
Barbie Ferreira and Alexa Demie in Euphoria. Photo: HBO.
Demi told the publication The Hollywood Reporter , that HBO kept her informed of all production interruptions, including those related to the death of her co-star Angus Cloud at age 25, as well as series creator Sam Levinson's work on show "Idol" ».
«"I tried my best to give up," she said.
Despite reports over the years of contract negotiations and uncertainty about the cast's future, Demi said she never seriously doubted her co-stars would return.
«"We don't discuss business," she explained. "Zendaya is wonderful, she'll give me advice if I ask. But what works for one person won't work for me, and vice versa. We've all chosen a very interesting path. But it's not like the elephant in the room; it's natural. Who wants to talk about business?"»
Demi's comments come after 29-year-old Ferreira has repeatedly addressed the topic of her departure from the show and the future of her character, Kat Hernandez.
In April, speaking on Amanda Hirsch's podcast «Not Skinny But Not Fat» , Ferreira said reports of her sudden departure were untrue.
«"It wasn't really dramatic at all, it was a long process where I was like, 'I don't know if this is right for me,'" she said. "And then we were talking to people and trying to figure out how to make Kat a fully fleshed-out character, but it just wasn't working.".
The actress explained that she and the show's creative team ultimately couldn't find any meaningful direction for Kat.
«"The thing is, I don't need to be on the most popular TV show in the world if I'm not acting, you know?" Ferreira said. "So I'd rather be in an independent film where I'm acting, where I'm showing off my acting chops, where I'm being asked to be creative, rather than sitting in the background.".
She added that she wants to pursue projects that will allow her to continue to develop creatively.
«"I want to do other things. I want to produce independent films," Ferreira said. "I make independent films that are literally made on a shoestring budget, but they're cool, true stories. And I prefer it not to be something secondary.".
Barbie Ferreira and Alexa Demie in 2022. Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty.
Ferreira also discussed her departure during her appearance on Dax Shepard's Armchair Expert podcast« in 2023, where she denied suggestions of serious behind-the-scenes conflicts.
«"I don't think there was anywhere for Kat to go," she said. "I think there were places she could have gone. I just don't think it would have fit into the show.".
Ferreira also admitted that she would like to have more opportunities to showcase her acting talent.
«"I really wanted to not be the fat best friend. I don't want to play that role, and I don't think they wanted that either," she said.
Barbie Ferreira on April 6, 2026, in Hollywood, California. Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
The actress who starred in the film «"No", She later commented on the fan reaction, admitting that it was hard for her to see viewers disappointed by Kat's reduced role in season two.
«"It was actually really painful to watch it and see how upset the fans were," she said. "I just felt like, maybe I've been a little late? So it was kind of nice for me to realize, 'Okay, I don't have to worry about this, and neither of us have to worry about this,' because it's really exhausting.".
Ferreira announced her departure from TV series "Euphoria"« in August 2022.
At the time, she shared a touching message on her Instagram Stories, writing that she was saying goodbye after "four years of being blessed to bring to life the most special and enigmatic character.".
«"I poured all my care and love into her, and I hope you felt it," she wrote. "Love you, Katherine Hernandez.".
In 2025, speaking on a podcast The Viall Files , Ferreira confirmed that ending her participation in the series was the right decision.
«"It was best for both of us to end it," she said, reiterating that her departure was a mutual decision.
The TV series "Euphoria"« is currently available to watch on HBO Max.
Read the original article on People.