Eric Dane‘s involvement in Euphoria‘s third and final season was addressed before his death at age 53.
Dane joined the HBO show as Cal Jacobs, the father of Jacob Elordi‘s Nate Jacobs, when it premiered in 2019. He continued to portray the character on season 2, but questions arose about everyone’s future on the show after subsequent filming delays.
Before production started on season 3, Dane announced his ALS diagnosis — and revealed whether he would be returning to film the show.
“I have been diagnosed with ALS,” he said in an April 2025 statement. “I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter. I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to [the] set of Euphoria next week. I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time.”
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Dane also booked roles on Countdown, Kabul and an episode of Brilliant Minds ahead of his death in February 2026. According to his family, Dane was “surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters” in his last days.
Keep scrolling for everything that was said about Dane’s return to Euphoria before his death:
Is ‘Euphoria’ Returning to HBO for Season 3?
When Euphoria debuted in 2019, viewers tuned in to follow troubled high school student Rue (Zendaya) on her journey to sobriety. In addition to Zendaya, the show also starred Hunter Schafer, Alexa Demie, Jacob Elordi, Sydney Sweeney, Maude Apatow and Colman Domingo. Euphoria was quickly renewed for a second season after its premiere, but it took nearly three years for the episodes to air.
Season 3 was originally set to air on HBO in 2025 before facing several obstacles, including creator Sam Levinson’s commitment to his short-lived series The Idol. The dual WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, which took place in late 2023, prolonged the delay.
What Did Eric Dane Say About Returning for the Final Season of ‘Euphoria’?
Similar to his onscreen son — played by Jacob Elordi — Eric Dane expressed plans to return.
“I’m optimistic that it’s gonna come back,” Dane shared during a June 2024 episode of Today With Hoda & Jenna. “There’s a real appetite for that show out there and it’s just too good to let go of.”
Dane previously hinted at an unexpected journey for his character, telling Variety in 2022, “There’s gonna be redemption. I mean, that’s the trajectory he’s on [after being arrested]. I can’t imagine Cal’s life from solitary confinement. It’s tough to work Cal into the story line when he’s behind bars.”
Was Eric Dane’s Appearance on ‘Euphoria’ Season 3 Confirmed?
Eric Dane mentioned filming Euphoria’s final season in the same statement where he revealed his ALS diagnosis. Dane later addressed his attempts to keep working despite the difficult health battle.
“I’m not about to concede my purpose to some disease. I just am not capable of doing that,” he said in a December 2025 panel discussion in conjunction with I AM ALS. “I have no reason to be in a good spirit at any time, on any given day. I don’t think anybody would blame me if I went upstairs in my bedroom, crawled under the sheets, and spent the next two weeks crying. And I was a little bit pleasantly surprised when I realized that I wasn’t built like that, because I thought for sure that was gonna be me.”
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When Does ‘Euphoria’ Season 3 Premiere?
Euphoria will return for its third and final season on April 12 — two months after Eric Dane’s death at age 53. The show is expected to pay tribute to both Dane and his costar Angus Cloud, who died at age 25 in July 2023 following an accidental overdose.
How Has the ‘Euphoria’ Team Honored Eric Dane?
After Eric Dane’s death, an HBO spokesperson paid tribute to him in a statement, writing, “We are deeply saddened by the news of Eric Dane’s passing. He was incredibly talented and HBO was fortunate to have worked with him on three seasons of Euphoria. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time.”
Creator Sam Levinson released his own statement, which read, “I’m heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend Eric. Working with him was an honor. Being his friend was a gift. Eric’s family is in our prayers. May his memory be a blessing.”
