Euphoria has become a significant launching pad for numerous young actors, propelling them beyond the confines of typical teen drama. However, before the HBO series captured audiences, another critically acclaimed coming-of-age show laid the groundwork for many actors’ success. Since its premiere in 2019, Euphoria has steadily opened doors for talented actors like Jacob Elordi, Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, and Hunter Schafer, enabling them to secure prominent roles in various mainstream films and television series. Elordi’s acting repertoire continues to flourish with impressive projects such as Saltburn, Priscilla, and Frankenstein, showcasing his evolving talent and versatility.

Similarly, Zendaya has risen to become one of the highest-paid actresses in contemporary cinema, attributed to her performances in highly praised films like Dune, Challengers, and Spider-Man: No Way Home. Alongside Sydney Sweeney, Hunter Schafer, and other cast members from Euphoria, many have significantly advanced their careers since their debut in the HBO series, underscoring the show’s impact on the trajectory of young stars. Interestingly, Euphoria is not the first teen drama to act as a catalyst for aspiring actors.

How Euphoria Mirrors the Impact of UK’s Skins in Launching Young Talents

Prominent Actors Including Nicholas Hoult and Kaya Scodelario Rose to Fame Through Skins

Much like Euphoria has showcased the talents of actors such as Jacob Elordi, Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, and Hunter Schafer, the groundbreaking series Skins played a pivotal role in allowing talents like Nicholas Hoult, Kaya Scodelario, Dev Patel, Daniel Kaluuya, Jack O’Connell, and Joe Cole to exhibit their skills and embark on successful careers. Nicholas Hoult, Dev Patel, and Daniel Kaluuya were integral members of the show’s original cast. While Hoult portrayed one of the central characters, Tony, both Dev Patel and Daniel Kaluuya were featured in more minor roles.

Nearly two decades after the show’s debut, all three actors have achieved remarkable success and are now seen as top contenders for the coveted role of the next James Bond. Daniel Kaluuya has even earned an Academy Award, while Dev Patel has garnered an Oscar nomination and made headlines with his directorial debut in Monkey Man. Meanwhile, Nicholas Hoult has received widespread acclaim for his performances in The Menu, Nosferatu, and Mad Max: Fury Road, and he is slated to take on the role of Lex Luthor in the upcoming Superman film.

Skins‘ second generation featured the iconic character Effy, brought to life by Kaya Scodelario, who has since starred in notable franchises such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Maze Runner. Recently, she was also featured in Netflix’s The Gentlemen as one of the lead characters. Additionally, Joe Cole, widely recognized for his roles in Peaky Blinders, Black Mirror, and Gangs of London, had early career exposure in Skins during its sixth season. Moreover, some lesser-known actors from the series, including Hannah Murray, Joe Dempsie, and Luke Pasqualino, have also earned credits in major productions like Game of Thrones and Shadow and Bone.

The Factors Behind the Success of Skins‘ Cast in the Entertainment Industry

Meticulous Casting Process Contributed to the Show’s Success

The concept for Skins originated from co-creator and writer Bryan Elsley, inspired by a conversation with his son, Jamie, who urged him to “write a show about teenagers, but one that actually means something.” Following the show’s green light, the casting process unfolded through a talent search in youth drama clubs, attracting actors like Daniel Kaluuya to join the cast. Open auditions also led to the selection of Kaya Scodelario, Hannah Murray, and Dev Patel, as reported by The Guardian. This method of casting young actors purely based on their talent, without any ulterior motives, laid the foundation for many of them to enjoy successful careers.

Skins was not directed by seasoned filmmakers or writers, yet it revolutionized perceptions of the coming-of-age genre. Unlike many conventional teen dramas, it brilliantly captured the raw authenticity of growing up in the real world. The series took an unvarnished approach to depict the chaotic and tumultuous nature of adolescence while delving into complex themes such as addiction, dysfunctional family dynamics, trauma, and mental health challenges.

Featuring a cast of lesser-known yet extraordinarily gifted actors as its leads, the show’s drama resonated with audiences, making it feel even more genuine and relatable. Its relatability and authenticity played a significant role in its viral success, ensuring that its talented cast members received the recognition they rightfully deserved.

18 Years Post-Release: Skins Continues to Set the Standard for Coming-of-Age Series

Influence of Skins on Modern Teen Dramas

Euphoria bears striking similarities to Skins, inspiring countless viewers to draw parallels between the two series’ characters and narratives. Despite Euphoria boasting superior production quality, it is hard to overlook how it seems to take cues from Skins in its candid portrayal of the teenage experience. Over the years, the impact of Skins has extended well beyond shows in the English language.

For example, the critically acclaimed Norwegian series Skam mirrors Skins in its unflinching depiction of adolescence, presenting the teenage experience without a patronizing lens. Additionally, the Netflix Turkish series Love 101 appears to be influenced by Skins, as it poignantly depicts the harsh realities faced by its teenage characters grappling with social pressures, feelings of abandonment, and isolation. Long before Euphoria graced our screens, Skins already had an American remake in 2011, which many viewers deemed inferior to the original.

• 
  

  

  Euphoria

  
  

  

  7/10

  Release Date

  June 16, 2019

  Showrunner

  Sam Levinson

  
  

  • 

  •