‘Euphoria‘ creator Sam Levinson has opened up about honoring late cast members Angus Cloud and Eric Dane, sharing an emotional revelation at the Season 3 premiere of the popular HBO series.
The heartfelt tribute comes four years after Season 2, as the show returns with deeper themes of loss and grief.
Sam Levinson Pays Emotional Tribute
While speaking at the TCL Chinese Theatre premiere on April 7, 2026, Levinson dedicated the new season to “those we lost,” paying special tribute to Cloud, Dane, and producer Kevin Turen.
Related: ‘Euphoria’ Star Barbie Ferreira Breaks Silence on Season 3 Moving Forward Without Her
He acknowledged that the long production delay was not just due to strikes and scheduling issues, but also the emotional weight of honoring the departed cast members while moving the story forward.
“Some people ask why it took so long between seasons two and three,” Levinson said, per Deadline. “There were obvious factors — the strikes, trying to make a schedule work with our very in-demand cast, but the real time was in trying to figure out how to find a way to pay respect to those who we lost.”
How Sam Levinson Keeps Angus Cloud’s Fezco Alive in ‘Euphoria’ Season 3
Levinson spoke candidly about how the losses affected him both personally and creatively. For Angus Cloud, who played the much-loved Fezco and died in July 2023, the creator decided to keep the character alive in the story. “I couldn’t keep him alive in real life, but I could keep his character alive in the show,” he emotionally continued. “I kept him alive, and the character has got a great arc. I think he’d be very proud of it.”
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Levinson said that several scenes show characters talking to Fezco on the phone, which helps keep his presence in the story. He also shared that Cloud’s death made him think more deeply about life and purpose, and this has shaped the themes of the new season.
Eric Dane’s Final ‘Euphoria’ Appearance Before ALS Battle
Eric Dane, known for playing Cal Jacobs, made his final TV appearance in Season 3 before his death in February 2026, after a battle with ALS. Levinson recalled that Dane called him months before filming to share his diagnosis.
“I just said, ‘Look, Eric, I love you, and I promise, however you show up, we’re going to make it work, we’re going to find a way,” he remembered. “We just tried to create the most comfortable environment, and he’s magnificent this season.”
What ‘Euphoria’ Season 3 Is Really About?
At the premiere, Levinson quoted a Rebbe, “‘The only way to see great light is to pass through great darkness.’ Well, it feels good to be on the other side.” He described finishing the season as nothing “short of a miracle” and praised the dedication of the cast and crew.
The new eight-episode season moves forward in time and looks at the challenges of adulthood. Characters like Rue (Zendaya), Cassie (Sydney Sweeney), and Nate (Jacob Elordi) are shown dealing with new and uncertain phases in their lives.
‘Euphoria‘ returns to HBO on Sunday.
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