Sydney Sweeney, widely recognized for her role as Cassie Howard in Euphoria, recently opened up about how the long delay of the hit HBO series has unexpectedly reshaped her career.
With production now set to begin in January 2025, the show has been on hold for three years—forcing Sweeney to make some tough career decisions. In an interview with Vanity Fair, she reflected on the impact of the hiatus, explaining how she had to adjust her schedule, turn down roles, and ultimately shift her focus toward producing.
For Sweeney, Euphoria isn’t just another acting gig—it’s a project she holds close to her heart. Returning to Cassie’s character will be an emotional journey, particularly in the wake of co-star Angus Cloud’s passing. “Cassie is such a deep, meaningful character for me. I think that, through her, I’ll be able to also grieve [Angus Cloud] in a way as well,” she shared.
The uncertainty surrounding Euphoria‘s production schedule threw a wrench in Sweeney’s career plans. She admitted that she had initially turned down multiple opportunities, expecting to return to set much sooner. “There were definitely a few projects that I had to pass on because I was supposed to be going back to Euphoria,” she explained.
But as delays stretched on, she realized she couldn’t keep waiting around. When another film she was attached to fell through due to scheduling conflicts, she decided to take matters into her own hands. “After a few weeks, I realized, ‘This is not happening.’ So I put in full gear to make Anyone but You,” she revealed.
Rather than letting the uncertainty hold her back, Sweeney used the time to carve out a new path as a producer. This decision led to two major projects—Anyone but You (2023), a romantic comedy that became an unexpected box office success, and Immaculate (2024), a psychological horror film that showcased her range as both an actress and producer.
While the delay of Euphoria may have been frustrating, it ultimately allowed Sweeney to expand her career beyond acting, proving that she’s not just a rising star—she’s a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood.