Euphoria Creator Sam Levinson Discusses Season 3 Amid Tragedy

The showrunner opens up about the deaths of actors Angus Cloud and Eric Dane, hiring Hans Zimmer to compose the show's new sound, and more.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:52pm

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An extreme close-up of shattered, glittering glass fragments reflecting dramatic studio lighting, conveying the high-stakes, glamorous, and gritty tone of Euphoria's new season.The third season of Euphoria promises to deliver a cinematic, high-stakes exploration of addiction, consequences, and the glamour of celebrity culture.Burbank Today

Euphoria creator Sam Levinson discusses the challenges of producing Season 3 of the hit HBO series, including the deaths of actors Angus Cloud and Eric Dane, as well as hiring Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer to create the show's new cinematic score. Levinson also shares how the grief over Cloud's passing deeply informed the season's storyline, which explores the devastating impact of fentanyl. Despite the personal and professional obstacles, Levinson remained committed to delivering the best version of Euphoria for the audience.

Why it matters

Euphoria has become a cultural phenomenon, with the show's ensemble cast catapulting to new heights of fame. However, the four-year gap between Seasons 2 and 3 brought significant personal and creative challenges for Levinson, including the tragic deaths of two beloved cast members. This interview provides insight into how Levinson navigated these difficulties to deliver a new season that honors the memory of Angus Cloud and Eric Dane while pushing the show's visual and musical boundaries.

The details

In the interview, Levinson discusses the creative process behind Euphoria Season 3, including his decision to shift the show's tone and structure to be more dialogue-driven and character-focused. He also opens up about the devastating losses of Cloud and Dane, revealing how their deaths deeply impacted the season's storylines and his own personal grief. Levinson shares how he fought to get Cloud the help he needed for his addiction struggles, and how he worked to keep Fezco's character alive in the story despite Cloud's passing. The showrunner also discusses his collaboration with composer Hans Zimmer, whose cinematic score was inspired by classic Westerns and helped guide the visual and emotional tone of the new season.

  • In July 2023, Angus Cloud, who played the character of Fezco, died of an accidental overdose.
  • In February 2024, Eric Dane, who portrayed the role of Cal Jacobs, passed away from the effects of ALS.
  • Euphoria Season 3 is set to premiere on April 12, 2026.

The players

Sam Levinson

The creator, writer, and executive producer of Euphoria, who has navigated the personal and professional challenges of producing Season 3 of the hit HBO series.

Angus Cloud

The actor who played the role of Fezco on Euphoria, and tragically passed away in 2023 due to an accidental overdose.

Eric Dane

The actor who portrayed the character of Cal Jacobs on Euphoria, and died in 2024 from the effects of ALS.

Hans Zimmer

The Oscar-winning composer who took over scoring duties for Euphoria Season 3, bringing a cinematic, Western-inspired sound to the show.

Ashley Levinson

Sam Levinson's wife and co-executive producer on Euphoria.

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What they’re saying

“The grief with Angus deeply informed the season. He was someone I loved very much. And someone I fought very hard for. Look, I've dealt with addiction. I'm well-versed in it. So you're always kind of prepared, but losing Angus really shook me and made me angry for a lot of reasons.”

— Sam Levinson, Creator, Writer, and Executive Producer of Euphoria

“Eric called me before we started shooting and told me about being diagnosed with ALS, and we had a long talk. I said to him, 'However you show up, I'll make it work.' He had a lot of grace. He was a beautiful person — intelligent and soulful … and able to find the beats of humor and tragedy [in Cal]. I loved him deeply. I got to say goodbye.”

— Sam Levinson, Creator, Writer, and Executive Producer of Euphoria

“If I really love a song, I want to let it play, and to sculpt the scene to it. On Euphoria, each character's storyline is like its own film in a way. In general, I was less interested in needle drops and more interested in something that guided us through this world.”

— Sam Levinson, Creator, Writer, and Executive Producer of Euphoria

What’s next

Euphoria fans will eagerly await the premiere of Season 3 on April 12, 2026, to see how the show's creator, Sam Levinson, has navigated the personal and creative challenges of producing the new episodes in the wake of the tragic deaths of Angus Cloud and Eric Dane.

The takeaway

Euphoria has evolved beyond its initial high school setting, with Season 3 exploring the choices and consequences faced by the characters as they navigate adulthood. Levinson's commitment to delivering the best version of the show, even in the face of immense personal and professional obstacles, is a testament to his creative vision and the enduring appeal of this groundbreaking series.