Allotments full of puke instead of Zendaya: the German version of the hit series “Euphoria” does a lot of things differently – but it does them right. Because it also delves so deeply into the abysses of growing up that it leaves you breathless. In the middle of it all: Luna Jordan as one of the eight main characters. We spoke to the actress about her new project. But also about what helped her make ends meet in her own youth. And which fashion stores in Berlin are an absolute must-visit.
FACES: What was the reason for your recent euphoria?
Luna Jordan: Ice bathing has been a hobby of mine for a few years now and there is no better feeling than coming out of ice-cold water and feeling your body so awake and supplied with blood. The whole process of mental preparation is also such a nice personal ritual that I really appreciate.
F: Your new project is a German version of the drama series “Euphoria”. What was going through your mind when you saw the original for the first time?
LJ: “Euphoria” was groundbreaking in many ways. The bold storytelling, the look, the music, the camera, the acting. I remember sitting in front of my laptop in South Tyrol in 2020 and watching the first season. I was blown away by how many artistic levels this series captivates and works on. I was particularly moved by the relentless exploration of topics that are a reality for some young people today: Growing up, identity, mental health, drugs, school and the resulting social pressures. “Euphoria” has revolutionized the film industry worldwide, in the best way possible.
F: How much will the German version differ from this?
LJ: Our German version “Euphorie” is set in Gelsenkirchen. We don’t have Zendaya or a 165 million dollar budget. Our characters throw up from Vodka-O at allotment garden parties and dream of being a reality star on RTL one day. Basically, however, we deal with similar topics such as drugs and mental health. Our series is based on the Israeli original of the same name, while “Euphoria” from the US channel HBO with Zendaya is merely a remake of it. Nevertheless, we don’t like to compare ourselves. We have new characters, new stories and a very unique look.
F: What are some pressing issues facing young people today that are being ignored or downplayed by society?
LJ: Mental health is still not really taken seriously in a social context. Especially in times of social media, unprotected content, constant pressure to perform and comparisons are constantly bombarding young people. Many struggle with anxiety disorders, depression or the feeling of not belonging and often cannot find a safe place in everyday life. In my opinion, mental health is not a luxury, but a basic requirement for a functioning society. And this is unfortunately where many parents, teachers and those in positions of responsibility fail, often leaving children and young people to deal with this alone instead of giving them timely access to therapy and effective support.
“Mental health is still not really taken seriously in a social context.”
F: What is your advice to young people who still have to find their way in the world? What helped you back then?
LJ: Don’t be afraid to be special. I used to always want to fit in because I was never the “typical” girl. I had special hobbies like soccer and archaeology,
had ADHD and was never really good at school. At some point I stopped frantically trying to be a part of something and started accepting myself for who I am. I stopped thinking about what other people thought of me and just dared to do things. Without fear. I think that’s a bit of my superpower. And I think this fearlessness has opened so many doors in my life.
F: What do you find easier in front of the camera, modeling or acting? Or are the two not so different in the end?
LJ: Acting is easier for me. When I’m acting, I can let myself go so much that I completely forget about all the cameras and the team around me. In that moment, I’m just my character and what I feel and do feels real. It’s hard to describe, but for me it’s an almost intoxicating state. Modeling is still rather new territory for me. But I really like the fact that you are completely in the moment and every photo feels like an impulse. It’s a completely different experience to acting. But when I look at the photos later, they have a similar strength and narrative expressiveness as in a movie.
F: Who or what has had a lasting influence on your personal clothing style?
LJ: There is no one specific person who has had a lasting influence on my clothing style. I go very much by gut feeling. My style is very colorful, childlike, vintage-heavy and impulsive. My closet is more like a collection from 1900 to 2025 and I always dress the way I feel that day. Funnily enough, I’ve also remained very true to my style since I was a child.
F: What should fashion-conscious people definitely not miss out on in Berlin?
LJ: Berlin has an incredible amount to offer fashion lovers. The trick is often to find stores that are still authentic. If you like genuine vintage clothing from the 1920s to the 1970s, you should definitely stop by Glencheck, Mimis Textile Antiquitäten or the vintage flea market at Ballhaus Berlin.
“Berlin has an incredible amount to offer fashion lovers.”
F: To what extent has Berlin shaped you as a person?
LJ: I was born and raised in Berlin, my dad is a native Berliner, and the city has had a strong influence on me through its diversity. I have collected many wonderful memories and experiences here, but I have also experienced some difficult and stressful moments. If I had to find a word to describe Berlin, it would be: impulsive. Berlin has so many facets and if you don’t really know the city, you can be overwhelmed by the contrasts. As a child, I went to the Olympiastadion with my dad almost every weekend to watch Hertha games. Similarly, the Lochow outdoor pool in Wilmersdorf was always part of my summer. Schöneberg is my neighborhood and there is no other place in Berlin where I feel so at home.
F: Which song, movie or book do you associate particularly strongly with your hometown? Why?
LJ : Clearly, the Peter Fox album “Stadtaffe” from 2008 is the nostalgic soundtrack of Berlin for me and pretty much captures the attitude to life that this city gives me. The documentary “Prinzessinnenbad” by Bettina Blümner is an absolute highlight of Berlin film history for me and a real declaration of love to the city. As a child, my favorite book was “Emil and the Detectives”, which is set on the streets of Berlin. As a result, I developed a great passion for the works of Erich Kästner
LUNA JORDAN
Luna Jordan has a lot to say. And as an actress, she doesn’t just read it from scripts. The 23-year-old is committed to ensuring that film sets become safe places for young women. And that exciting, profound roles are created for them. Luna is also leading the way: following her award-winning short film “Furor”, the German-Austrian dual national wants to promote female filmmaking as a partner in the production company Sista Productions. For her next project, however, Luna is exclusively in front of the camera: the series “Euphorie” starts on October 2 on RTL+.
This way for our fashion editorial with Luna Jordan for Longchamp.
You can get a taste of euphoria here.
Photos: © Christopher Puttins
