‘Euphoria’: Eric Dane Opens Up About the Scene Where He Had to Tell His Co-Star ‘Dude, I Trust You’

ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS

• Eric Dane’s first scene for season 2 of Euphoria broke the internet.
• In another infamous scene he had to make it clear to his young co-star that he trusted him.
• There is nothing in Euphoria that Dane pushes back on.

Euphoria star Eric Dane felt “amazing” when he returned to the set after a year-and-a-half off due to the pandemic. In a new interview, the Grey’s Anatomy alum explained that he was ready to get back to work for season 2. He says they threw him into the deep end on his very first scene. Dane also made it clear that he trusted his co-star when he had to take the butt of a shotgun to the face.

Eric Dane’s first scene for ‘Euphoria’ season 2 broke the internet

When Dane finally got back on set for season 2 as corrupt dad Cal Jacobs, he says the very first scene he shot was that scene in Nate’s (Jacob Elordi) dream sequence. Cal’s intimate moment with a mystery man ended up breaking the internet.

“That was my first shot of season two. It was like, “Welcome back to Euphoria, Eric … ” Dane told Entertainment Weekly.

According to Dane’s scene partner Christin Byrdsong, the “actual filming was incredibly professional” and everything about the sex scene was “totally fake.”

“A piece was built by the intimacy coach to go between his face & my butt. Super chill & professional,” Byrdsong tweeted.

Eric Dane loves his character

Dane knew they would eventually get into Cal’s backstory, and he says he’s glad it’s happening in season 2. The actor made it clear he’s very happy with the material he’s been given this season, and he really loves his character.

“I’m playing with extraordinary young actors and amazing material on a fearless network. That said, I’ve been tickled with all this great material I’ve gotten this year,” Dane revealed.

When it comes to scenes where he finds himself in a “compromising position,” Dane says there’s an intimacy coordinator and an understanding. For that scene that went viral, Dane says you know what the deal is as a professional, and you make the best of it.

“We had a good laugh about it, which was nice,” Dane said.

He had to trust his ‘Euphoria’ co-star

Season 2 also featured a scene with Dane and another young co-star — Javon “Wanna” Walton (Ashtray) — that had Walton bashing Dane’s head with a shotgun. Dane says that he wasn’t intimidated, even though Walton is an athlete.

“This guy’s like a young professional athlete. He’s a boxer. So I knew he’d have absolute control over the amount of pressure that butt of that shotgun placed on my head. I told him at the beginning, ‘Dude, I trust you. Go for it. Don’t let anything I do deter you from leaning into this one,’ and he was fantastic. He’s a sweet kid,” Dane said.

There’s nothing about Cal that Eric Dane pushes back on

Dane says that it isn’t his job to “push back on anything” when it comes to his character. He noted he’s there to protect Cal. But at the same time, he trusts creator Sam Levinson.

“Whatever he’s [Levinson] wanting to do with this character I’m also along for the ride, and the challenges are actually good. Put as many obstacles as you want in front of me. It’s just an opportunity for growth,” Dane said.

He’s ready for whatever fits into the ‘Euphoria’ story

Dane’s character recently had a great scene with Alexa Demie (Maddy) where she told Cal off, but that’s the only time those characters have really interacted. Dane says he would love to see those two characters interact again if it “fits into the story.”

“I love working with all these people. As far as how that fits into the grander scheme, I don’t know. I’ll do whatever. I just show up and do what’s in front of me. But Alexa’s fantastic. That was a fun scene and she’s so great,” Dane said.

New episodes of Euphoria air Sunday nights on HBO and are available for streaming on HBO Max.