The HBO series *Euphoria* is widely known for its extensive use of nudity, which extends not only to the main cast but also to guest stars such as Minka Kelly and Chloe Cherry. Both actresses have publicly shared their discomfort with the amount of nudity required in their scenes.

In an interview with *Vanity Fair*, Minka Kelly recounted how series creator and director Sam Levinson initially envisioned a more dramatic entrance for her character by having her dress fall completely to the ground. “That was my first day as a guest on this new show, and I just didn’t feel comfortable standing there naked,” Kelly explained. However, when she voiced her concerns, Levinson immediately agreed to make changes without hesitation. Although the final scene was adjusted and filmed successfully, the original proposal still left a negative impression on those involved in the production.

Similarly, Chloe Cherry, who portrays Faye in season two, faced an uncomfortable situation right from her first day on set. In the episode, her character witnesses a shooting, becomes covered in fake blood, and is then pushed into an air vent by her on-screen boyfriend Custer (played by Tyler Chase) to hide from the police. Cherry recalled the awkwardness of the moment: “We had just met and said, ‘Hey, how are you?’ and then started shooting the scene. It probably would have been more comfortable if we had had a little more time to get to know each other.” Originally, Levinson wanted the scene to feature Faye completely naked. However, Tyler Chase intervened, saying, “That’s a lot,” leading the team to drop the full nudity requirement. In the end, Cherry remained covered in fake blood but kept her clothes on. Despite the adjustment, the experience still felt intense and pressurizing, especially as a newcomer working with unfamiliar colleagues.

These accounts from Minka Kelly and Chloe Cherry are not isolated incidents. Several other female cast members have also spoken about requesting modifications to nude or topless scenes that they felt were unnecessary for the storyline. Sydney Sweeney, who plays Cassie Howard, has mentioned having open conversations with Levinson about certain scenes. She noted that there were moments when her character was scripted to appear shirtless, but she would tell Levinson directly, “I don’t really think that’s necessary here.” According to Sweeney, Levinson always responded positively and was willing to remove or adjust elements when actors expressed discomfort. She has praised him for never forcing her into anything she did not want to do.

The heavy reliance on nudity in *Euphoria* has sparked considerable debate since the show premiered. Critics and viewers alike have questioned whether the volume of explicit content sometimes exceeds what is needed to advance the narrative, particularly when it involves teenage characters or short-term guest stars. Many argue that Sam Levinson’s directorial style deliberately embraces raw, provocative, and hyper-realistic depictions of sex, violence, and substance abuse to mirror the chaotic inner worlds of the young protagonists. While this approach has earned praise for its boldness, it has also drawn criticism for potentially exploiting actors’ bodies, especially those who are new to the project or lack established power in the industry.

Minka Kelly, an experienced actress known for her role in *Friday Night Lights*, emphasized that Levinson was receptive and professional once she raised her concerns. “I said, ‘I’d love to do this scene, but I think we can keep my dress on.’ He was like, ‘Okay!’ He didn’t even hesitate. And he shot a beautiful scene and got exactly what he wanted,” she shared. This flexibility highlights Levinson’s willingness to collaborate, yet it also raises broader questions about why such explicit ideas are written into the script from the outset and whether adequate preparation is provided for sensitive scenes.

For Chloe Cherry, the situation carried additional complexity. As a relatively new face in mainstream television at the time (having previously worked in adult films), she found herself in an intimate and physically demanding scene almost immediately upon arrival. The fact that her male co-star was the one who first voiced discomfort also prompted discussions about power dynamics on set and the importance of creating a safe environment where all actors, especially newcomers, feel empowered to speak up.

Beyond individual experiences, *Euphoria* has faced ongoing scrutiny for its overall portrayal of sexuality, drug use, and violence. Other cast members, including Alexa Demie and Martha Kelly, have expressed similar views, indicating that concerns about nudity and explicit content are not limited to guest stars. Although Levinson is often commended for fostering an environment where actors can voice their boundaries, some observers suggest that the frequent inclusion of such scenes in early drafts can create unnecessary pressure and anxiety during pre-production.

In season three (released in 2026), the controversy surrounding nudity intensified further when Cassie’s storyline involved multiple explicit sequences related to her work on OnlyFans. While Sydney Sweeney has continued to support Levinson and defended the scenes as essential to her character’s development, the graphic nature of the content reignited debates. Older comments from Minka Kelly and Chloe Cherry resurfaced, underscoring the tension between artistic ambition and the real emotional experiences of the performers.

Ultimately, the discussions around “excessive nudity with guest stars” in *Euphoria* reflect deeper issues within the film and television industry: the delicate balance between creative vision and respect for actors’ physical and emotional well-being. Although Sam Levinson has demonstrated a readiness to listen and adapt, the repeated accounts from actresses like Minka Kelly and Chloe Cherry serve as important reminders that comfort and consent on set should never be taken for granted. Even when scenes are ultimately modified, the initial proposals can still cause unease and highlight the need for more thoughtful planning around intimate content.

*Euphoria* remains one of HBO’s most talked-about and divisive productions, attracting massive audiences while continuously provoking strong opinions. As the series progresses, the challenge for Levinson and the team will be to maintain their unflinching depiction of adolescent turmoil without compromising the safety and dignity of those bringing the story to life. The candid reflections from Kelly, Cherry, and others remind us that behind the provocative imagery are real people whose boundaries deserve careful consideration.