Why Renee Rapp Is Leaving ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’

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As a fan of the show, I must say, Leighton’s departure from The Sex Lives of College Girls feels like losing a dear friend. Her character has been the glue that held the group together, and her absence will certainly be felt. However, life goes on, and so does the show.

After a two-year hiatus since the Season 2 finale, “The Sex Lives of College Girls” returns for its third season. Initially, everything seems routine as the four principal characters come together again and embark on their sophomore year at college. Kimberly (Pauline Chalamet) and Whitney (Alyah Chanelle Scott), who had a falling out over a summer due to Kimberly lying about kissing Whitney’s ex, have patched things up. Bela (Amrit Kaur) is on a quest for a new mission in life and steps into the role of residence director for the freshman dorm after discovering she doesn’t meet the requirements to transfer. Lastly, Leighton (Reneé Rapp) remains involved with Alicia (Midori Francis) in their relationship.

In contrast to prior assumptions, viewers should brace themselves for an alteration, as it’s been officially announced that Rapp will part ways with The Sex Lives of College Girls at the onset of Season 3. Although fans have had approximately a year to adjust to this news, curiosity has persisted regarding the character’s exit strategy, given her continued presence in the trailers. Here’s an explanation behind Reneé Rapp’s decision to leave The Sex Lives of College Girls and the creative approach adopted by the series to address her departure.

Reneé Rapp Is Leaving Acting Behind

Reneé Rapp is stepping away from The Sex Lives of College Girls to concentrate more on her music career, much like Ariana Grande shifting her focus back to acting after her role in Wicked. However, unlike Grande, Rapp’s decision to leave acting stems from a more personal desire.

Prior to the premiere of “Mean Girls,” where she resurfaced as Regina George from the stage play, Rapp expressed a desire to step away from acting partially due to the anxiety the career often brings. Previously, during her time in “Mean Girls” on Broadway, her eating disorder was worsened. The film adaptation of the musical “Mean Girls” hit theaters on January 12, 2024, marking Rapp’s final acting role before “Sex Lives of College Girls.

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve been thoroughly impressed by Rapp’s vocal talents, showcased in both the stage and screen adaptations of “Mean Girls.” However, it’s her musical endeavors that have truly caught my attention lately. On November 11, 2022, she released her initial EP, titled “Everything to Everyone,” just six days before the second season of “The Sex Lives of College Girls” premiered. Fast-forward to August 18, 2023, and Rapp’s debut studio album, “Snow Angel,” graced our shelves. With “Snow Angel,” “Mean Girls,” and “Sex Lives of College Girls” under her belt this year, it’s been quite a musical journey for her. Although she seems to be taking a break from acting, the future looks radiant as a singer for Rapp.

How They Are Writing Her Out of the Series

In regards to the character of Leighton in the show The Sex Lives of College Girls, it seems as though the creators have chosen to devote a couple of episodes to her departure, rather than having her exit before the series began. The storyline for Leighton in the season 3 premiere episode centers around her dealing with two stressful situations involving both her personal life and school.

Initially, Alicia informs Leighton that she’s quitting college to work for the newly elected mayor of Boston. This news leaves Leighton upset, as she attempts to distance herself from Alicia, believing this decision means their relationship is ending. However, Alicia assures her that she loves her and has no intention of ending things between them. Instead, they decide to navigate one day at a time, establishing a long-distance relationship.

In the meantime, it turns out that the advanced math class Leighton enrolled in is being discontinued due to low enrollment. The professor suggests she try taking the course at a nearby graduate school, but the commute by bus would be lengthy. After making the journey once, Leighton informs the professor that she won’t do it again and needs an alternative. In response, the professor proposes reaching out to a contact at MIT who might allow for a transfer. Notably, MIT is located in Boston, the same city where Alicia plans to relocate.

In my humble opinion as a movie critic, it seems evident that Leighton’s character will choose to enroll at MIT. This move isn’t solely driven by love for Alicia in Boston, but also by her ambitious academic and career aspirations. After all, Leighton is not one to make decisions based on emotion alone; she’s a character with a keen professional drive. Her ardor for mathematics surpasses the educational offerings at Essex, making MIT an attractive choice for her intellectual growth. This plot development strikes me as plausible given the numerous annual transfers among college students nationwide.

What Happens Next

Leighton’s exit from The Sex Lives of College Girls will surely bring about considerable changes for the show. One such change is that it will significantly affect Kimberly, Whitney, and Bela, who now find themselves dealing with a crucial shift in their friend group dynamics. On the other hand, Leighton’s departure opens up one of the three-person beds, enabling Whitney to return to her familiar space after leaving the sorority to reconnect with her friends, but this development seems to create a rather cramped living situation.

In Season 3, the series will introduce two new characters to shake things up. First is Taylor (Mia Rodgers), a British freshman residing in Bela’s dormitory, and second is Kacey (Gracie Lawrence) who joins in the third episode as a transfer student. Kacey, known as a “girly girl,” will bring a unique dynamic to the group by contrasting with Kimberly’s nerdy personality, Whitney’s athleticism, Bela’s jokester sexuality, and Lila (Ilia Isorelýs Paulino), one of Kimberly’s colleagues, who is set to play a larger role in the group as she deepens her connections with them.

The departure of Rapp significantly shifts the dynamics in The Sex Lives of College Girls. She is undeniably the brightest star in the show, and her absence will certainly be felt. However, the series boasts an exceptional ensemble of actors who have breathed life into captivating characters. Just as in real life, fresh talent will undoubtedly join the mix. While some may depart, their impact lingers, and there’s always the promise of new adventures with fresh faces. Keep streaming on Max!

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2024-12-01 02:32