HAVING A BALL!

When BELLA PODARAS arrived on set for season three of Euphoria, the cast and crew all told her the same thing: you’re going to have so much fun playing this character. This helped ease her nerves as she prepared to act opposite one of her idols, Alexa Demie, that very same day. Podaras is one of several new faces joining the show, alongside the likes of Sharon Stone, Rosalía, and Trisha Paytas – casual. She notes that her role couldn’t be further from herself. While she can’t reveal too much, she can say she imagined her character listening to emo rap. We caught up with the actress, calling in from her home in LA to talk about blasting Lil Peep and $uicideboy$ to get into the spirit and what Euphoria gets right about being a young person in the US today.

Left Full look **Givenchy by Sarah Burton**
Right Dress **Fendi**, shoes **ShuShu Tong**

Hey Bella! How did you get involved with the new season of Euphoria?

I sent in a 60-second audition, and about two weeks later, my manager called me and said the part was mine if I wanted it. I couldn't believe it because that's not usually how things work. Usually, it takes a million auditions. I was with my boyfriend when I got the call, and he had no idea what was going on, but then I put my phone on speaker, and he was just dying. I wasn't supposed to do this, but I instantly called all my girlfriends and told everyone. They’re all actresses too, so they were all crying and so excited. Then we went to the Chateau Marmont to celebrate, and we had a full ball.

Left Full look **Dolce&Gabbana**
Right Full look **Maison Margiela**

Everyone has a different opinion of what Euphoria is and what it should be. How did you feel about entering such an established world that already has a devoted fan base?

People have such strong feelings about what they want it to be, the characters, and how they feel about them. Whenever I start to get nervous or overwhelmed, I try to remember how grateful I am, and it eases any nerves I have. The excitement is stronger than the feelings of absolute terror.

Other than it literally being Euphoria, what attracted you to this project?

I have always liked Sam Levinson's work. I was excited to work with a director you hear so much about. And there are so many exciting aspects of my role. When I went into hair and makeup on my first day, they were like, “Oh my gosh, you got a really fun character!” That was a nice thing to hear.

Left Vintage top **Chloé,** underwear **Fleur du mal**, vintage shoes **Prada**
Right Full look **Fendi**

What do you think the show gets right about being a young person in the US today?

I think it sheds light on things that actually happen. A lot of people think it’s so unrealistic, many teenagers in the US act [just] like that. I think it pulls back the curtain on stuff that happens, which we don't really talk about. Then obviously it's elevated in so many fun ways with the fashion and the makeup.

The costume design is such an important part of Euphoria. Was there anything about your character's wardrobe that helped you understand who she is?

Yes, absolutely. That’s one of the main things that helped me feel like her. I'm very different from her – the way I dress, the way I talk, the choices I would make in my life. Putting on those clothes definitely paints a very clear picture of who she is, and it just gets me in the right mood. Music does that too. I have a playlist that I would listen to on the way to work and in my trailer. The clothes and makeup really helped me understand what Sam wanted her to be.

Left Full look **Chloé**
Right Full look **Givenchy by Sarah Burton**

What kind of music was on the playlist?

In my daily life, I listen to a lot of old folk music. I'm a grandfather. I love that stuff. And this was the opposite of her, so I listened to a lot of hip hop, like Lil Peep, $uicideboy$, JT and Kodak Black.

How has this role changed the way you see the next stage in your career?

I think it made me feel excited to be more daring. It’s definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone. I'm 22 now, but for most of my experience being an actress, I was a teenage girl playing teenage girl roles. Some can be really great, but usually, you're going out for the mean girl, the cheerleader or other roles that are not so far off from yourself. But this character is very distant from who I am, and now that I've crossed that bridge, I feel more comfortable with the fact that people don't have to know that that's not me. A lot of the time, people think that you are who you're playing.

Left Full look **Maison Margiela**
Right Full look **Dolce&Gabbana**

What kind of roles are you hoping to take on next, then?

A little secret dream I have is to be in a Western. You know, I'm from Texas!

Is there anything that you think people misunderstand about Euphoria as a show?

I see people online assuming that it's a hostile work environment, but I had an amazing experience and everyone on set every single day is having fun. People are being creative and excited to try new things, new looks, or new ideas for the scenes. It’s hard to create an environment like that with such high stakes, honestly. Everyone on the crew treated me wonderfully and made me feel welcome. Obviously, I wasn't there in previous seasons, and everyone is entitled to their own experience, but I had a lovely one!