Hunter Schafer revealed that playing her character, Jules, on the HBO series “Euphoria” was a life-saving experience. The series released a special episode co-written by Schafer during the lapse between Season 1 and Season 2. The episode, which gave viewers an in-depth look into Jules’ backstory, was aired to bridge the gap due to the coronavirus pandemic delaying Season 2’s premiere date. From Jules’ perspective, it highlighted her difficult childhood, her mother’s substance abuse struggles, and even being institutionalized. The episode was shot in the form of a therapy session and acted as a real-life therapy session for Schafer.
“I feel like it really just gave us room to go deeper into her mind and her subconscious and her headspace,” Schafer told i-D Magazine, adding, “I was in a very f**king raw place, you know, it was the summer of 2020. Probably coming out of the worst depression I’ve ever had, and needing somewhere to put all of that energy. When I say that episode really became a lifeline, I mean it.”
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Schafer admitted that the first episode highlights her character’s relationship with Rue, but the second half tackles even deeper issues. “The other half is just a 17-year-old trans girl, still figuring out who she is and debating queerness within her head — what that means for her as a trans person. All of these new new parts of herself that she’s still uncovering, all intersect and create one big mess that she’s trying to untangle, or find some sense within,” she said.
If you or someone you know needs help with mental health, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or visit the National Institute of Mental Health website.
