Television

Zendaya Takes the Lead in HBO Pilot “Euphoria”

Zendaya in "The Greatest Showman"

Zendaya’s moving from the Disney Channel to HBO. The former “K.C. Undercover” star is set to topline drama pilot “Euphoria” for the premium cable network, Variety confirms. The “Spider Man: Homecoming” actress will play the teen at the center of the racy-sounding series.

Based on the Israeli show of the same name, “Euphoria” is a story of “drugs, sex, identity, trauma, social media, love, and friendship” told from the perspective of Rue, “a lying, drug addicted” 17-year-old girl. The supporting cast includes Storm Reid (“A Wrinkle in Time”), Maude Apatow (“Other People”), and Alexa Demie (“Love”).

HBO ordered the project to pilot in March. Augustine Frizzell is set to direct and co-executive produce. Her feature debut, “Never Goin’ Back,” premiered at Sundance in January. The comedy about BFF waitresses who take a drug-fueled vacation hits theaters August 3.

“Shake It Up” marked Zendaya’s breakout role. The series aired on the Disney Channel from 2010-2013. When Zendaya was sixteen she met with the heads of the network to discuss the possibility of starring in “K.C. Undercover.” Before she signed on, she negotiated to be producer on the series, insisted that her character’s original name would be changed (“Do I look like a Katy to you?” she said), and demanded that the show feature a family of color. “A lot of people don’t realize their power,” she told Vogue. “I have so many friends who say yes to everything or feel like they can’t stand up for themselves in a situation. No: You have the power.”

“K.C. Undercover” aired from 2015-2018.

Zendaya last appeared on the big screen in “The Greatest Showman.” Her upcoming film projects include a “Spider-Man” sequel and “A White Lie,” a drama about about the first African-American woman to graduate from Vassar College.


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