Storm Reid Also Cringed When She Watched This Character in Euphoria Season 2

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If you were one of the 16.3 million viewers that tuned into Euphoria this past season, then you need no introduction to Storm Reid. The 19-year-old may be best known for starring opposite Zendaya in the smash-hit HBO series, but don't be fooled. She's got a lengthy résumé. Reid has been in the spotlight since the humble age of 9, and the projects she's chosen to partake in aren't exactly lighter fair. She's starred in everything from When They See Us to 12 Years a Slave. More recently, she played the leading role in the thriller Missing, and her appearance in the sci-fi series The Last of Us is on the way.

In short, Reid isn't one to shy away from roles that take viewers to an uncomfortable place. She feels her work is a way to inspire change and shine a light on real-world issues. And in many ways, that makes her one of Hollywood's most dynamic young artists. So you can understand, then, why we jumped at the chance to profile her for Who What Wear's February cover. Ahead, you'll hear excerpts from the podcast interview about what it was like for Reid to work on season two of Euphoria, her style evolution, and how her work aims to combat misconceptions about Gen Z. Scroll for excerpts from the interview, and make sure to tune in to hear it all.

You have many great projects out at the moment, but we would be remiss if we didn't talk about Euphoria. Can you tell us what working on this last season was like? 

It's so fun being on that set because it feels like a family. Zendaya is my big sister; you can't convince me otherwise. So to work with people who inspire you and push you is just a fantastic feeling. And Euphoria is just such a beautiful show because we are trying to bridge the disconnect between generations and trying to let the world know that … there are things that young people go through every day. And even though it's entertainment and some situations are heightened, at its core, we're trying to educate people. Even when I'm reading a script or watching scenes I'm not a part of, I'll tell myself, "That is just crazy. That just would not happen, like please." But then I have to sit and check myself because many of the situations that are depicted in the show, our director, Sam Levinson, went through. So that's when you have to sit, reflect, and not be selfish because people do go through these things every day, and I think that's why so many people tune into the show each week. It's why it became a cultural phenomenon. It is so relatable. 

One of the wonderful things about the show is that it does validate the experiences of younger people, and it puts a lot of the younger generation's viewpoints about the world on display. How do you hope your acting helps combat misconceptions about younger generations? 

I think there are a lot of misconceptions about Gen Z. And I can't speak for my entire generation, but I do know that we are smart, we are brilliant, and we are trying to make a change. And yes, we do use our phones a little bit more than other generations, but that's the world we live in. You shouldn't discredit our ability to think about things, cultivate ideas, and cultivate joy because of it. This generation is the most culturally diverse and culturally accepting than any other generation. I can say that with confidence. So with any situation, with any circumstance—whether it's me playing Gia Bennett or just me taking up space as a young Black woman in this world or just being a peer among other people in this generation—I think it's about just giving us grace because, yes, we may do things differently. But I think those differences are what makes our generation so beautiful.

Euphoria has become known for its incredible fashion and beauty costumes, and you've never been one to shy away from being explorative with your looks. Would you say that you have always been explorative regarding your own hair and makeup, or do you think that working in the entertainment industry has pushed you to be? 

I think being on different sets, different photo shoots and being around different people has really expanded my mind about what I can do with my hair and what I can do with my makeup. I also think social media has done the same thing for me. You have a whole For You page or an Explore page filled with cute nails and eyeliner looks, so I find all my inspiration on Instagram or TikTok. So I have always been explorative in that way, but I think being in the rooms and the positions that I've been in has definitely informed my risk-taking.

Would you say working with your stylist, Jason Bolden, has also done that for you in the realm of fashion? 

Yeah, absolutely. I love Jason so much because we've been working together for a long time. And I think he has done a fantastic job of, you know, not rushing anything and respecting my style evolution from being a 13-year-old to a 20-year-old. He made sure that I still looked youthful when I needed to and always felt comfortable—that I could dance in my clothes because he knew that I love to groove. He knows me and my sense of style, so we have a lot of fun with fashion. 

As you've grown up in the spotlight and just grown older, do you feel like you've become more comfortable with your personal style?

Yeah, my personal style is very chill and very relaxed. I love to shop for men's clothes and men's shoes. So I live in oversize hoodies, sweatshirts, and T-shirts and cute jeans. I like to think of my personal style as a little girly with many tomboy elements. 

And that's such a contrast from the fact that you're always serving a look on the red carpet. Now, you're an ambassador for Prada. What does it mean for you to work with them? 

Working with Prada has been such a dream. I've been working with them since I was 13 years old. They did my first custom dress for the London premiere of A Wrinkle in Time. And they're just such outstanding people to work with. They are genuinely invested in how I feel and how I want to look [and] if I'm comfortable with the products. Plus, they're such an iconic brand and a beautiful representation of what fashion is supposed to be, how fashion is supposed to feel, and how fashion is supposed to look. It's simple, it's timeless, but it's also fun. And I think that's what makes the best fashion.

Okay, last few rapid-fire questions. You're working with Prada in the fashion world. But If you could work with anyone in Hollywood, who would it be?

Miss Meryl Streep, Viola Davis, Denzel Washington. Angela Bassett.

Which character from season two of Euphoria made you cringe the most? 

Cassie, for sure. 

If you could take only three beauty products to a desert island, which would you choose?

Oh, goodness. Maybe some petroleum jelly and Maybelline lip gloss because my lips and body can't be ashy. And probably mascara. I don't know. Who am I even going to see on this island? 

What's the one snack you rely on to get you through studying for a final?

Oh, wow. Probably chips. 

You're getting dressed for the day. What song is playing in the background?

Oh, man—right now, it's "Her Old Friends" by PartyNextDoor.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. Next, check out our interview with SZA's stylist, who shared what it was like working on SOS.