Euphoria: The Untold Story Behind Fez's Survival and its Impact on Angus Cloud's Journey

Summary

Euphoria creator Sam Levinson kept Angus Cloud's character alive in the show to support the late actor, whom he loved and believed the show helped personally.

Fez was initially intended to meet his demise in both the first and second seasons, but Levinson ultimately had a change of heart on both occasions.

Cloud's portrayal of Fezco was remarkable, as he brought a distinct approach, straightforwardness, and depth to the character, resulting in a genuine connection with viewers.

Euphoria creator, Sam Levinson, has shared that he made the decision to keep Angus Cloud's character alive in the show in order to support the late actor. Originally based on an Israeli series from 2012, this American drama revolves around a group of teenagers in the fictional town of East Highland, California, all grappling with their own issues related to drugs, alcohol, and sex. The Euphoria cast boasts a talented ensemble including Zendaya, Maude Apatow, Alexa Demie, Eric Dane, Barbie Ferreira, Sydney Sweeney, Hunter Schafer, and Cloud, who portrayed a level-headed local drug dealer named Fezco. Tragically, the 25-year-old actor passed away earlier this year due to an accidental overdose.

During an interview with People, Levinson shared that Fez was initially intended to meet his demise at the end of season 1. However, out of a fondness for the character and a belief in how the show positively impacted Cloud personally, Levinson made the choice to keep him alive. The 38-year-old filmmaker recounts a conversation on set where he informed Cloud that his character was slated to die in a dramatic gun battle during the season 2 finale of Euphoria. Yet, Cloud's reaction to the news prompted Levinson to reconsider his decision once again. Read his full statement below.

Angus was originally intended to be killed off in the first season, but I had such a deep affection for him. What captivated me initially were his striking Paul Newman eyes and his audition tape, where he introduced himself as Angus Cloud and hilariously claimed to be "five foot 12." It truly touched me. I must admit that I sometimes prioritize the actors over the show, which may have been a contributing factor to my decision. I couldn't bear to eliminate him because then what would viewers have to anticipate?

When I informed him that Fez would meet his demise in a shooting during season 2, I witnessed a visible drain of color from his face. It becomes particularly challenging when one is grappling with addiction issues, as finding meaning and purpose in life becomes paramount. What I knew for certain was that Angus adored being a part of this production. He cherished the crew, the fellow actors, and everything in between. It occurred to me that if this were taken away from him, I couldn't predict what would become of his life.

After discussing the matter with my producing partners, I came to a resolute stance. I simply couldn't bear to kill him off. We had to keep him on board because he possesses something truly unique. The specific details of the storyline become insignificant when weighed against his immense value.

Angus Cloud’s Fez Made Euphoria A Better Show

While actors such as Zendaya, Sweeney, and Demie often dominate discussions and play central characters in Euphoria, Cloud, despite having less screen time in season 1, impressively delivered a standout performance. Prior to portraying Fezco, he had no acting experience, yet he brought a unique delivery, plainspokenness, and complexity to the character that quickly endeared him to fans.

Fez's relationship with Rue was a highlight of the first season. Despite supplying her with drugs, it was evident that he was more than just an enabler. He possessed a certain complexity, being a "drug dealer with a heart of gold," and genuinely wanted to assist Rue in any way he could. Furthermore, his relationship with Lexi in season 2 was particularly notable and heartwarming, further deepening viewers' understanding of his character.

Cloud’s performance in Euphoria injected a dose of soul into the glitzy chaos of the show. With his unshakeable composure, sharpness of mind, and emotional intelligence, he quickly became an endearing character who undoubtedly contributed to the show's appeal. Cloud effortlessly portrayed sincerity in his performances, striking the perfect balance and never overdoing or underwhelming.