While fans try to comprehend the shocking ending «Euphoria» , A new conversation between series creator Sam Levinson and actor Bradley Cooper is drawing attention for its rave reviews of Zendaya. Reflecting on the HBO drama's finale, Cooper compared the Emmy Award-winning actress's talent to that of two of Hollywood's most celebrated film legends.
«"I don't think I've ever met an actor who has impressed me so much," Cooper told Levinson during a wide-ranging conversation with the magazine. Interview , published after the series finale «"Euphoria"» . "It's like Elizabeth Taylor meets Marlon Brando." Cooper also praised Zendaya's on-screen charm, describing her as an actress with a rare ability to evoke empathy in viewers even for the most difficult moments in Rue Bennett's life.
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The comments come just days after HBO confirmed the show's official end. TV series "Euphoria"« third season. The finale, titled "« "In God we trust"» , brought several important storylines to a close, including Roo's death from fentanyl-laced drugs. The episode also depicted the deaths of Laurie and Alamo Brown, and tragically concluded years of addiction, trauma, and loss.
Cooper, who has spoken publicly about his own journey to recovery, spent much of the conversation discussing the show's depiction of addiction. He praised Levinson's approach to Rue's final moments, calling the creative decisions "beautiful," "respectful," and deeply compassionate toward the character.
He also refuted criticism of the show for romanticizing drug use, arguing that «"Euphoria"» presents addiction as a seductive and destructive force. "If you want to learn about the reality of addiction, watch this show with your kids," Cooper said, adding that the finale's emotional impact was achieved thanks to viewers' years of caring for Rue.
Levinson explained that Roo's death was partly inspired by the real-life fentanyl crisis, as well as the loss of Angus Cloud, who died of an accidental overdose in 2023. Levinson said he wanted viewers to experience the same pain families feel when addiction takes a loved one.
In earlier interviews about the finale, it was also revealed that Levinson considered Roo's death an "honest closure" for a character whose struggles with addiction never fully went away.
The discussion wasn't limited to Rue alone. Cooper also singled out Sydney Sweeney and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje for their performances, praising the show's overall casting. At one point, he told Levinson that watching «Euphoria» pushed him to develop creatively while working on «"Maestro"» , calling the series an example of storytelling where "nothing feels random.".
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