Barbie Ferreira is setting the record straight regarding her departure from "Euphoria," providing fans with insights into her current relationship with her former costars. The 28-year-old actress, who portrayed Kat in the first two seasons of the acclaimed HBO drama, won't be reprising her role in season 3, which is currently under production. Despite rumors at the time of her exit suggesting a dramatic behind-the-scenes split, Ferreira recently opened up to Nick Viall, revealing a far less melodramatic truth.
"It was a mutual decision, so it wasn't solely my choice," she clarified on the March 19th episode of "The Viall Files" podcast. "There was simply no further narrative arc for Kat, and rather than lingering around for nine months, it was best for both parties to conclude our journey there."
Since bidding farewell to "Euphoria," Ferreira has taken to the stage, most recently starring in the Broadway play "Cult of Love." She shared that her former "Euphoria" castmates were there to lend their support. "I recently bumped into Hunter [Schafer] and Maude [Apatow], while Sydney [Sweeney] came to see my play," she recounted. "They're all incredibly busy, but whenever anyone's in town, we make an effort to catch up. They showed up to support my play, which was incredibly sweet."
While Ferreira has moved on, her exit from "Euphoria" wasn't without a tinge of sadness. She emphasized that "Kat means the world to me," and she had invested years of her life into portraying the character. "But you don't want to tarnish a good thing," she added. "Everyone agreed that there was no further room for Kat's growth, which was undoubtedly challenging. In acting, things are constantly evolving, and you must have a resilient spirit to make the best decisions for your career."
Addressing persistent rumors, Ferreira stressed, "I never walked off set. That never happened. You can ask anyone who was there every day." She also reflected on her late costar Angus Cloud, who passed away in 2023 from a multiple drug overdose at the age of 25. "I've never experienced anything quite like that. We were all deeply affected," she said solemnly. "Angus was such a cool and unique guy, full of stories. I think about him often. He was an incredible sweetheart, a true character. His passing is truly tragic."
Season 3 of "Euphoria" is anticipated to premiere in 2026, featuring a time jump that takes the main cast beyond high school. Returning cast members include Sweeney, Zendaya, and Jacob Elordi, while new additions to the ensemble include Grammy Award winner Rosalía, NAACP Image Award winner Kadeem Hardison, and former professional football player Marshawn Lynch.
