Sydney Sweeney almost didn’t get her breakout role as Euphoria‘s Cassie Howard. Sweeney is entering the second half of 2022 in a big way, with two double Emmy nominations. In addition to being recognized in the Best Supporting Actress category for Sam Levinson’s teen drama, the actress also earned a nod for her supporting turn in another HBO series: the miniseries The White Lotus. The recognition arrived after Sweeney frequently became a scene-stealer in Euphoria season 2, frequently balancing the difficult line between hilarity and angst.

Although she was an important part of the show’s first installment, Euphoria season 2 delved deeper into Cassie’s relationships with her family and with her best friend Maddy (played by Alexa Demie). In particular, the series showed how Cassie struggled between her relationship with Nate (Jacob Elordi) and her friendship with Maddy, given that Nate and Maddy only recently broke up. This struggle offered Euphoria some much-needed lighter moments, particularly when compared to the ongoing battle Rue (Zendaya) waged with addiction. It also highlighted Sweeney’s versatility as a performer, often having to work through several emotions in the span of a single scene.

Related: Euphoria Season 2 Finale Confirmed Cassie’s Downfall (Can S3 Fix It?)

However, a new THR profile of Sweeney reveals that she almost didn’t get to be in Euphoria. She was told that the casting director for the show didn’t believe she was right for the part, going on as far as to say she shouldn’t bother auditioning. Her agent had other clients that tried out for Cassie, though, and was willing to pass on the script. This allowed Sweeney to send in her audition tape, in which she read the script with her mom. After that, she was booked directly. “No hate to the casting director,” Sweeney added. “I love her now.”

Cassie and Maddie fighting in Euphoria

As much as Euphoria has been both praised and criticized for its visual flourishes, the show is equally an actor’s showcase that relies on a talented ensemble to sell the heightened storylines and endless conflict. It’s easy to see how, with a less talented performer, Cassie wouldn’t have been such a compelling character. She would have been either too ridiculous or unsympathetic. But, in Sweeney’s hands, the insecure teenager remains at least compelling to watch — even as some viewers disagree with the decisions she makes.

It speaks to the importance of casting, and how many popular series could have been very different and fundamentally less successful if casting directors didn’t demonstrate flexibility. Sarah Michelle Gellar might not have been Buffy, for example, as she originally tried out to be mean girl Cordelia. The casting process helps to clarify which actors fit which parts and, thankfully, in the case of Euphoria, Sweeney was proven to be exactly the right person to bring Cassie to life.

More: How Euphoria Season 3 Can Fix Jules, Kat & Elliot’s Storylines

Source: THR