Hunter Schafer, the breakout star from HBO’s hit series Euphoria, has consciously been steering clear of playing trans characters. The model-turned-actress has been offered numerous roles reflective of her trans identity, but in a candid conversation with GQ, Schafer disclosed why she’s opting out of such parts, choosing instead to delve into characters that transcend this label.
Schafer’s journey to stardom was not an ordinary one. Prior to her rise to fame on screen, she was known for her poignant stand against oppressive legislation as a high school student in North Carolina. When discriminatory bathroom bills threatened the dignity of the trans community, Schafer took a stand, etching her name in activism. However, this chapter of her life, while shaping her personal narrative, does not encapsulate her entirety as an artist.
From fashion runways to the gritty realism of Euphoria, Schafer has demonstrated a diverse array of talents. Yet, she opens up about the challenge of not being boxed in by her trans identity, sharing her frustration with the fixation on this aspect of her life. In her interview, Schafer remarked, “As soon as I say it (trans), it gets blastoff. It took a while to learn that, and it also took a while to learn that I don’t want to be that, and I find it ultimately demeaning to me and what I want to do. Especially after high school, I was sick of talking about it. I worked so hard to get to where I am, past these really hard points in my transition, and now I just want to be a girl and finally move on.”
The reluctance to center discussions around her trans experience isn’t reflective of shame or regret, but rather a desire to be considered for her craft first. Her concerns echo a broader sentiment within the industry where actors from minority backgrounds push for the normalization of their presence in narratives that aren’t solely defined by their identity.
Despite her evident prowess in bringing a layered and nuanced portrayal of her character Jules in Euphoria, Schafer fears her trans identity might overshadow her professional achievements. Her longing to journey into varied artistic expressions is evident. “I felt like I had to make my art a response to everything that was happening in North Carolina when that’s not really what I wanted to be making art about, necessarily. I think I felt like, ‘Oh, I’m trans. I should be making art about this,’” she disclosed.
As Schafer continues to carve her path within the industry, her commitment to her own vision of the types of roles she wants to embody is clear. It’s a reflection of an evolving landscape where artists are questioning integrally ingrained narratives and seeking to redefine what representation looks like, not limited by societal constraints or expectations.
Schafer’s upcoming project clearly marks this new trajectory. She is poised to appear in Yorgos Lanthimos’ forthcoming film, Kinds of Kindness, set to release in June this year. The decision to work with a director known for his offbeat and nontraditional storytelling indicates a step further away from roles that focus on her identity and a move toward roles that allow for a wider illustration of her potential.
This move could potentially signal a shift in how trans actors are viewed and utilized in the landscape of both English cinema and world cinema. Schafer’s choices might inspire others to pursue roles beyond socially constructed narrative confines.
The expectation to represent one’s community is a weighted responsibility, and while it can be an honor, it can also be a limitation. Schafer’s determination to be recognized for her talent, and not just her personal history, is a bold and necessary stance that not only challenges the industry but also empowers fellow actors to seek roles that reflect the full spectrum of their capabilities. It’s a testament to the fact that as times progress, narratives evolve, and Schafer is at the forefront, ready to embrace a multitude of storytelling realms.
