euphoria Creator Sam Levinson sent a message to those upset about the series finale by defending this heartbreaking death.
In a segment following the Sunday, May 31, episode of the hit HBO series, Levinson explained why Rue (Zendaya) died of an overdose and said, “The honest ending is that people like Rue don’t make it.”
Levinson thought about his own addiction story — before mentioning it Angus Clouddied in July 2025 as a result of an accidental overdose.
“People are relapsing and shitting. They’re not ready to clean themselves up. And they haven’t died the way they are now with the influx of fentanyl into this country,” he explained. “I could say with absolute certainty that if I went through what I went through now when I was younger, I wouldn’t be here either.”
The cast and crew of Euphoria have mourned the deaths of some of their colleagues over the years. Euphoria, which premiered in 2019, was originally about troubled high school student Rue (Zendaya) struggling to stay sober after rehab. The hit HBO series was quickly renewed for a second season after its premiere, but it took (…)
He continued: “There’s no need to sugarcoat it. I wanted to tell the story for Angus and for people who haven’t been given a second chance.”
Levinson called the finale “an honest ending.”
“Zendaya’s performance has been so wonderful and layered over the course of these seasons. We fell in love with this character – this girl who was flawed and shitty but had a good heart,” he said. “It’s a blessing to work with talented people and people you love.”
Levinson noted that the series always focused on Rue’s death, adding, “Ultimately, I wanted to tell an honest story about addiction. I also wanted to tell a story about grief and the emotional turmoil it can cause.”
During Sunday’s episode, Alamo (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) killed Rue by lacing the drugs he gave her with fentanyl. The moment occurred midway through the finale, which was Ali’s (Colman Domingo) story along when he took revenge on the Alamo.
Euphoria premiered in 2019 and originally followed troubled high school student Rue as she struggled to stay sober after rehab. The hit HBO series was quickly renewed for a second season after its premiere, but it took nearly three years for episodes to air.
The cast then suffered several losses between seasons Eric Danewho played Cal, died in February at age 53 after a battle with ALS. Cloud, meanwhile, died at the age of 25 and Levinson dedicated the season to the actor and his character Fez.
“Some people ask why it took so long between Seasons 2 and 3. There were obvious factors – the strikes, trying to get a schedule together with our very in-demand cast, but the real time was figuring out how to pay respect to those we lost,” Levinson said on the Season 3 premiere in April.
He added: “When Angus died, it was hard. I loved him very much and fought hard to keep him clean. The year he died, in 2023, he was one of 73,000 people in America to die from a fentanyl overdose. I learned a lot that year, but what I realized more than anything is that death gives meaning to life. You can’t be arrogant about existence. You have to reckon with life itself being it.” a miracle, a gift, a profound blessing.”
Levinson said he wanted to honor Cloud, concluding, “I thought if I couldn’t keep him alive in life, then maybe I could control him on this show and keep him alive there. I think the whole thing was just to honor him, and I also can’t wait for you to see the last few episodes. I think he would freak out with his storyline. I think he would love it.”
euphoria is currently streaming on HBO Max.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
