Did Sam Levinson use a real snake in major character's death scene? 'Euphoria' creator reveals details

Levinson has shared new behind-the-scenes details about the shocking death scene in season 3 episode 7

Euphoria creator Sam Levinson has shared new behind-the-scenes details about the shocking death scene involving Nate Jacobs in season 3 episode 7.

Speaking to Esquire, Levinson explained how the idea evolved from a simpler burial sequence into a horror-inspired moment involving a live rattlesnake trapped inside a coffin with Jacob Elordi’s character.

According to Levinson, Nate was always intended to die this season, but the creative team wanted the scene to become increasingly uncomfortable for viewers.

“There’s this kind of funny thing where I know what the audience wants in terms of justice or karma,” Levinson said. “How can I give them 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?”

The filmmaker revealed the snake concept came to him unexpectedly while driving through Los Angeles with his wife and producing partner Ashley Levinson.

“I just had this image of a rattlesnake coming towards this pipe,” he explained. “What if the snake goes into the pipe and then he's stuck inside the coffin with this rattlesnake?”

Levinson also confirmed that real rattlesnakes were used during parts of filming. “Those are all real rattlesnakes,” he said, while adding that a non-venomous snake was later used for close-up scenes involving the coffin.

The production reportedly filmed the sequence in desert locations outside Los Angeles, where animal wranglers warned cast and crew about the dangers involved. Levinson recalled being told, “If you get bitten by a rattlesnake, you have about an hour before you die.”

The episode has quickly become one of the most discussed moments of Euphoria’s third season ahead of next week’s finale.