TL;DR
- Euphoria creator Sam Levinson dedicates season 3 to Angus Cloud, Eric Dane, and Kevin Turen.
- Cloud died from an overdose; Dane battled ALS before his passing.
- Levinson reflects on loss and the opioid epidemic.
- The new season explores themes of faith, redemption, and evil.
- Season 3 premieres on HBO April 12.
At the glitzy season 3 premiere of Euphoria in Los Angeles, creator Sam Levinson took a moment to honor the late Angus Cloud, Eric Dane, and producer Kevin Turen. With a heavy heart, Levinson addressed the audience, explaining the long wait between seasons 2 and 3. “Some people ask why it took so long between seasons 2 and 3,” he said. “There were obvious factors — the strikes, how to make a schedule work with our very in-demand cast. But the real time was trying to figure out how to find a way to pay respect to those who we lost.”
Angus Cloud, who brought the beloved character Fezco to life, tragically passed away in July 2023 from an accidental drug overdose at just 25 years old. Levinson shared, “When Angus died, it was tough. I loved him deeply. And I fought hard to keep him clean.” His words resonate deeply, especially as the opioid epidemic continues to wreak havoc across the nation. In 2023 alone, approximately 105,000 people died from drug overdoses, with a staggering 73,000 of those deaths attributed to fentanyl.
Levinson reflected on the profound impact of loss, stating, “I learned a whole lot that year, but what I realized more than anything is that death is what gives life meaning. You can’t be arrogant about existence. You’re forced to reckon with the fact that life itself is a wonder, a gift, a profound blessing.”
The night was also a somber reminder of the passing of Kevin Turen, who died just four months after Cloud due to multiple heart issues. Turen was a notable producer with credits that included the X film series and HBO’s The Idol. Meanwhile, Eric Dane, who played the complex character Cal Jacobs, also passed away in February this year after a battle with ALS. Levinson dedicated his speech to these three men, saying, “To my friends, I love you. I’d like to dedicate this season to those who we lost: Angus, Kevin and Eric.”
As the audience prepared for the screening, Levinson quoted, “The only way to see great light is to pass through great darkness.” A fitting sentiment for a show that has always tackled the darker aspects of youth and addiction.
The upcoming season promises to delve into the lives of childhood friends as they grapple with faith, redemption, and the problem of evil. Returning cast members include Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, and Jacob Elordi, among others, with new guest stars like Sharon Stone and ROSALÍA joining the mix.
Mark your calendars, because Euphoria season 3 is set to debut on HBO and stream on HBO Max on Sunday, April 12. Get ready for more drama, heartbreak, and perhaps a little healing as the show continues to explore the complexities of life and love in today’s world.
