Manasvi Dwivedi
Euphoria breakout star Angus Cloud recently made headlines after revealing an earnest plea he shared directly with fans of the hit HBO drama series. Cloud, who quickly became a fan favorite in the emotive role of sympathetic drug dealer Fezco, disclosed asking viewers to refrain from glorifying or justifying any real-world criminal behavior based on his character’s illegal activities.
Cloud’s candid statements shed light on his deep concerns that Euphoria‘s provocative and dark subject matter could negatively influence more impressionable fans if taken too literally. He aimed to deter young viewers from making life-ruining mistakes by ignoring the underlying tragedy of his character’s lifestyle.
Angus Cloud Asked Fans Not to Try and Sell Drugs
In multiple interviews, Cloud admits he had directly told Euphoria fans to avoid selling drugs or engaging in other crimes just because his on-screen character Fezco is a drug dealer on the show. “Don’t try to sell drugs or anything silly like that. Go to school,” Cloud solemnly recounted, stating to fans who may be too enthralled by the gritty criminal elements of Euphoria.
Cloud says he was disturbed to learn some viewers were discussing selling drugs in real life after being inspired by Fezco’s central role as a dealer in the series. As one of the core cast members, Cloud felt a responsibility to speak out against this dangerous real-world reaction from over-engaged fans. His unequivocal statements aimed to deter impressionable viewers from believing illegal actions would be glamorous or profitable based on a fictional TV show.
He Didn’t Want Fans to Overlook the Darkness in His Character
Additionally, Cloud explained in interviews that “it does bother me” when fans seem to glorify Fezco’s objectively dangerous lifestyle of dealing drugs, acquiring firearms, and becoming wrapped in malicious, violent criminals. Cloud emphasized not wanting young Euphoria viewers to justify partaking in illegal or unethical behavior just because his character does so on-screen.
Cloud was quick to point out that Fezco’s life, while portrayed empathetically, is fundamentally sad, lonely, and destructive. He urgently reminded fans not to overlook the pervasive darkness plaguing his character beneath the surface. Even Fezco’s acts of protecting his younger adoptive brother Ashtray ultimately lead to trauma. Cloud wanted fans to fully grasp the nuances and not hero-worship a damaged, misguided character.
The Actor Hoped His Character’s Tragic Death Deters Real-World Copycats
Potential spoilers ahead for Euphoria season 3
With Fezco’s life left hanging in the balance after the season 2 finale’s cliffhanger ending, Cloud indicated in interviews that his character’s possible on-screen death next season further demonstrates the grim, sobering reality of living a high-risk criminal lifestyle. He expressed hope that watching the tragic fates suffered by Fezco and Ashtray will deter fans from making similar choices that could lead to terrible real-world consequences.
Overall, Angus Cloud’s candid pleas revealed his caring perspective and he hoped that Euphoria ultimately provides a thought-provoking cautionary tale for fans rather than inspiring them to mimic dangerous behaviors. Though Fezco earns fan sympathy through Cloud’s nuanced performance, the goal is for audiences to step back and question what behavior they justify in fictional contexts versus real life. Cloud’s passionate statements asked viewers to critically reexamine beloved yet flawed characters rather than blindly defend their actions. If the series provokes purposeful discussions about morality and judgment, Cloud believed characters like Fezco would have served a meaningful purpose for audiences.
Angus Cloud’s sobering call for fans to reconsider glamorizing his Euphoria character’s illegal activities highlighted the immense influence actors can wield. Though fictional shows provide an escape, Cloud thoughtfully reminded us that the lines between entertainment and reality must not blur to dangerous degrees. His bold words uphold the responsibility entertainers have towards impressionable fans.
Regrettably, Angus Cloud passed away in his Oakland home on 31st August, aged 25.
Source: Variety
