Euphoria showrunner pays tribute to "those we lost" from cast and crew at season 3 premiere

Writer and creator Sam Levinson has dedicated the upcoming third season of Euphoria to the memory of three cast and crew members who died in the four years since the second season aired in 2022.

Speaking at the premiere of the long-awaited third season of the teen drama, Levinson said (via Deadline): "Some people ask why it took so long between seasons two and three. 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."

Angus Cloud, who played Rue’s (Zendaya) friend Fezco in the first two seasons and also starred in the hit horror movie Abigail, died at the age of 25 on July 31, 2023. The show also lost executive producer Kevin Turen, who died in November of the same year.

Eric Dane, who played Cal, the father of Jacob Elordi’s character Nate, was able to return to film his role for the third season of the show following a diagnosis of ALS. The actor, who was also known for his role as Doctor Mark Sloan in Grey’s Anatomy, died on February 19.

"When Angus died, it was tough," Levinson said at the premiere. "I loved him deeply, and I fought hard to keep him clean. The year he died, in 2023, he was one of 73,000 people in America who died of a fentanyl overdose. I learned a whole lot that year, but what I realised 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 third season is dedicated to "those who we lost, Angus, Kevin, and Eric," Levinson said. "The Rebbe [spiritual leader] says, 'The only way to see great light is to pass through great darkness.' Well, it feels good to be on the other side."

The first season of Euphoria premiered back in 2019, and boosted the careers of its stars, including Zendaya, who won an Emmy for her performance, Sydney Sweeney, Hunter Schafer and Jacob Elordi.

While the first two seasons followed Rue and her friends at East Highland High School, the third season has a five year time jump that finds Rue in trouble with Laurie, the drug dealer from season two. Meanwhile, Cassie is now an adult content creator and is married to Nate, Jules is an art student and Lexi is working as an assistant to a showrunner, played by new cast member Sharon Stone.

She is joined by Poker Face star Natasha Lyonne, actor/director Eli Roth, True Blood’s Sam Trammell and singer Rosalia in the eight episode season.

Euphoria season 3 premieres on Sky Atlantic and NOW on Monday 13 April at 9pm.

Euphoria seasons 1 and 2 are available to watch on Sky Atlantic and NOW with an Entertainment Membership.

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