Barbie Ferreira reveals true reason for leaving 'Euphoria'

Barbie Ferreira is opening up about her decision to leave Euphoria after the second season of the popular show.

The 29-year-old actress talked about her choice to close her character Kat's journey during an appearance on Amanda Hirsch's Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast, released on Tuesday (April 14).

When asked about the "dramatic" rumors regarding her exit from the Sam Levinson project, Ferreira clarified that maintaining the character's integrity was her priority, stating "it wasn't dramatic."

“Actually, it was quite the opposite of dramatic. It was more of a lengthy process of thinking, ‘I’m not sure this is right for me,'" Ferreira explained. 

"Then, we had discussions to try and bring Kat's character to life, but it just wasn't moving forward.”

The Faces of Death star mentioned that a final direction for her character Kat couldn't be agreed upon with the production team.

"Honestly, I don't have to be on the most-watched TV show in the world if I'm not really acting," Ferreira said. "I'd much rather work on an independent film where I can truly perform and be challenged creatively rather than just be part of the background."

"And while some might say, ‘I’m okay with that,’ I'm like, ‘Good for you.’ If you’re fine with being in the background for nine months, that’s perfectly okay and great."

She went on, "I just wanted to explore other opportunities. Producing indie films is what excites me... I work on indie projects with tight budgets, but they're cool and tell real stories. That, to me, is more rewarding than playing second fiddle.”

Ferreira described her decision process as "long and tiring," weighing the show's benefits and drawbacks. 

"Ultimately, I felt, ‘I have faith in myself as an actress. I envision my career differently. It's okay if it's not on the trending TV show.’ That's perfectly fine. I’ve done it."

Ferreira also spoke about her Euphoria departure in an April 10 (Friday) episode of Collider Ladies Night, noting that "the character didn't feel like Kat" during the second season.

"If I'm just playing the background, which is great, that’s not who Kat was in season one," she said. "It felt like I needed to pursue more. ... I wasn't showcasing my full potential as the actress I know myself to be."

Ferreira made her exit from Euphoria public in August 2022, posting on Instagram Stories to announce she was departing after "four years of bringing to life a truly special and intriguing character." 

She portrayed the character in the series' first two seasons, which aired in 2019 and 2022.

"I hope many saw themselves in her as I did and felt joy watching her evolution into who she is now," she remarked at the time. "I put my heart into her, hoping you all felt it. Love you, Katherine Hernandez."

During a 2025 chat on The Viall Files podcast, Ferreira shared "ending it there was best for both of us," deeming the separation a "joint decision."

The third season of Euphoria premiered with its debut episode on HBO on Sunday (April 12). 

Returning cast members include Zendaya, Jacob Elordi, Alexa Demie, and Sydney Sweeney, among others. Ferreira's latest film, Faces of Death, is currently showing in theaters.