In a deal so expensive it could fund a small opioid crisis, Zendaya will earn $1 million per episode for Euphoria Season 3, a sum so large that HBO is reportedly expecting more than just acting—specifically, a little real-life commitment to the role.

“When you’re paying someone a million dollars an episode, you expect a higher level of realism,” said one HBO executive, speaking on condition of anonymity. “For that kind of money, we don’t just want Zendaya pretending to be a strung-out teen. We need her nodding off mid-scene and asking what season of Stranger Things we’re on.”

The contract allegedly includes a fine-print clause requiring “enhanced method acting,” which lawyers describe as more of a “gentle push” than a mandate. Insiders say HBO executives privately call it the “Substance Immersion Provision,” also known as the “Robert Downey Jr. Clause.”

Industry experts say this signals a new era of high-stakes method acting. “We’ve had actors starve themselves, live in the wild, and become actual blacksmiths for roles,” said one Hollywood insider. “For a million bucks an episode, is it really so crazy to ask for a tiny opioid dependency?”

At press time, HBO was rumored to be negotiating with Austin Butler, offering him $2 million per episode to develop a real gambling addiction, complete with weekly pawn shop cameos.