Interview: Writer/actress Hunter Schafer (‘Euphoria’) talks about her creative process and trans representation in media [VIDEO]

Upon her acting debut in HBO’s Euphoria, actress and activist Hunter Schafer took the world by storm, delivering one of the most authentic and affecting portrayals of a trans character that television had ever seen. Though she was unfortunately left off last year’s list of Emmy nominations, Schafer is nevertheless back this season, campaigning for her writing on the series’ second special episode, “Fuck Anyone Who’s Not A Sea Blob.”

The special affords Schafer’s Jules the time and space to share her side of the story and set things straight – especially in regards to her tumultuous relationship with Zendaya’s Rue – following the fallout of the season one finale of Euphoria. Additionally, in both her acting and writing, Schafer explores the totality of the trans experience today, figuring out what “femininity” means to her and working through past turmoil to find her place in the world.

AwardsWatch contributor Zach Gilbert spent some time with Schafer as she hit both the physical and virtual campaign trail, asking the actress about the particulars of the creative process behind this special and hearing how she hopes to reshape trans representation in the media.

Schafer’s “Fuck Anyone Who’s Not A Sea Blob” special episode of Euphoria is eligible for Writing for a Limited Series, Anthology Series or TV Movie and is available to stream on HBO Max.

Photo: Eddy Chen/HBO