The hit HBO series “Euphoria” brought its third season to a close on May 31, 2026, and it did not go easy on the audience. In what is now confirmed as the show’s final season, producers killed off several main characters, but the most talked-about departure happened a week earlier. Jacob Elordi’s character, the volatile and troubled Nate Jacobs, met a grim end in the desert, buried alive and bitten by a rattlesnake.
For fans who have watched Nate manipulate, intimidate, and terrorize the students of East Highland since 2019, the death was both shocking and strangely poetic. Elordi, who became a household name playing the antagonist, reflected on the scene, calling it a “cool way to go” for a character who made so many dark choices. The death officially closed the book on one of the most intense characters on modern television.
The Brutal Finale That Ended an Era
The final episodes of “Euphoria” did not hold back. While Elordi’s Nate died in the May 24 episode, the series finale one week later delivered even more tragedy. Creator Sam Levinson confirmed to Deadline and The New York Times that the story of addiction and its consequences had reached its natural end.
The finale saw Zendaya’s Rue Bennett, the heart of the show, die of a fentanyl overdose after being set up by a drug dealer. Other characters, including Laurie (Martha Kelly) and Alamo (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje), also met violent ends. Levinson explained that writing Rue’s death was a way to honor the memory of Angus Cloud (Fezco), who passed away during the writing of Season 3.
For Elordi, filming the death of Nate was a unique physical challenge. He recalled being placed in an actual coffin with the lid screwed on. “My shoulders were touching the side and they couldn’t move my arms,” Elordi explained in a behind-the-scenes segment. “Then they would drill the lid on it and it would get dark. It was really nice, actually. It was quite peaceful in there.”
Adding to the intensity, the production used a real rattlesnake and a boa constrictor for the scene. “Snakes were rattling, which was really alarming when you are locked in a box,” Elordi admitted. He added that the boa was “really cuddly” and “sleepy,” making the strange situation a bit easier to handle.
Where to Watch Jacob Elordi Next: New Movies and Shows
While “Euphoria” may be over, Jacob Elordi is busier than ever. 2026 is shaping up to be a massive year for the Australian actor, with several major projects already released and more on the way.
Here is what fans can watch right now and what is coming soon:
- The Narrow Road to the Deep North (2025): This limited series is available now. Elordi plays Dorrigo Evans, an Australian army surgeon during World War II. The show, based on a Booker Prize-winning novel, follows his character through the horrors of a POW camp and a forbidden love affair.
- Wuthering Heights (2026): Elordi stepped into the role of Heathcliff in this new adaptation of the classic novel. The film was released in the U.S. on February 13, 2026, and in China on March 13, 2026.
- Canis Major (2026): Directed by Ridley Scott, this action thriller is set to hit theaters on August 28, 2026. Elordi stars alongside Josh Brolin and Margaret Qualley.
- Parallel (Upcoming): Elordi has signed on to lead this action thriller for Legendary Pictures. Described as a grounded sci-fi story with an intense love story, it is directed by Tom Green.
From ‘The Kissing Booth’ to Oscar Contender
Elordi’s journey in Hollywood started far from the dark drama of “Euphoria.” He first gained fame playing the romantic heartthrob Noah Flynn in Netflix’s “The Kissing Booth” trilogy (2018-2021). He has since worked hard to shed that image, taking on risky roles in films like “Priscilla” (2023), where he played Elvis Presley, and “Saltburn” (2023), which earned him a BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor.
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His performance in “Saltburn” also earned him a nomination for the 2026 Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor. Looking ahead, he is set to star in Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of “Frankenstein” (2025), playing the creature.
Reflecting on his time as Nate Jacobs, Elordi expressed deep gratitude. “It’s a bittersweet thing,” he said. “This show is a massive part of — not just my career — but my life. It’s been amazing and I’m so proud of being a part of this.”
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