‘Euphoria’ Creator Sam Levinson Defends Shocking Character Death in ‘Horrific’ Scene

The creator of Euphoria, Sam Levinson, has spoken about the controversial death of a major character in the show’s latest season.

In the episode, Jacob Elordi’s character Nate Jacobs is killed in a shocking and graphic sequence. The scene shows him being buried alive and later attacked by a rattlesnake, before his body is eventually recovered. The moment quickly became one of the most discussed parts of the season due to how extreme and unsettling it was.

Levinson said the decision was partly shaped by audience expectations and the idea of giving viewers what they wanted, but in a way that also made them uncomfortable. He explained that he was thinking about how to balance satisfaction with shock. He said, “How can I give [fans] what they want, but make it so horrific and anxiety-inducing that by the time it happens, the audience isn’t so sure they wanted it?”

He added that part of the idea behind the scene was to make viewers question their own reaction to the character’s death. He said, “It’s like, ‘Oh, you wanted him to get his comeuppance…? OK,’” explaining that the show is often interested in making the audience feel conflicted about justice and consequences.

Levinson also described the emotional tone behind creating such a dark scene. Even though the death itself is intense, he said the process of developing it did not come from a dark personal place. He mentioned that he came up with ideas for the scene while in a normal and even calm mood, showing how storytelling choices can come from unexpected moments.

Jacob Elordi, who plays Nate Jacobs, also shared his thoughts in a separate HBO interview. He described the death scene as a “cool way to go” for the character. He also reflected on Nate’s story over the series, saying the character had made many mistakes and that the ending felt like a final conclusion to his journey.

Elordi has been part of Euphoria since it first premiered in 2019, and Nate Jacobs has remained one of the show’s most complex and controversial characters throughout its run. His final scene marks a major turning point in the story and removes one of the central figures from the series.

The creative decision has sparked strong reactions from viewers, with many debating whether the death was satisfying or too extreme. The show has often been known for pushing boundaries, and this moment continues that pattern by blending shock value with emotional storytelling.

Levinson’s goal was to create a reaction that goes beyond simple approval or anger, instead making viewers reflect on their own expectations. The result is a scene that has become one of the most talked-about moments of the season, both for its intensity and its narrative impact.

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