Katherine "Kat" Hernandez was one of the more significant characters in the first two seasons of the HBO series "Euphoria." In the series, she was a close friend of Maddy, and her story followed her development from insecurity and work as a webcam model to a personal struggle with identity and relationships.
After two seasons, Kat will not appear in the continuation of the series, which has sparked numerous reactions from fans. Ferreira has now clarified that the decision for her departure is related to the direction in which the character was further developing.
On the podcast "Not Skinny But Not Fat," hosted by Amanda Hirsch, Ferreira explained her decision and dismissed claims that her exit was dramatic. As she stated, it was a long process during which she thought about her place in the series and the development of Kat's character.
"It was actually the opposite of dramatic. It was a long process where I was saying, 'I don't know if this is for me.' After that, we had conversations and tried to find a way for Kat to be a fully developed character, but it just wasn't going anywhere," Ferreira said.
She added that she and the production team ultimately could not agree on the direction in which the character should develop.
"I don't have to be in the biggest series in the world if I'm not acting. I would rather make independent films where I actually act and work creatively than be a background side character," she emphasized.
Ferreira noted that some people are willing to stay in such roles, but that was not her choice.
"I want to do other things. I want to do independent cinema and smaller projects with strong stories. That is more important to me than being an afterthought," she said.
She described the entire process as long and demanding, during which she weighed the pros and cons. In the end, she concluded that she wanted a different career direction and that it was okay for the series to no longer be part of her path.
Ferreira previously stated in a 2025 interview for the podcast "The Viall Files" that the departure was a mutual decision and that "it was best for both sides to end it there."
The series "Euphoria" has continued with the broadcast of its third season, while many actors from the original cast have returned, including Zendaya, Jacob Elordi, Alexa Demie, and Sydney Sweeney.