The haunting melodies ofEuphoria, so integral to the show’s emotional core, have fallen silent. Composer Labrinth, the architect of its sonic landscape, abruptly exited the third season, leaving fans reeling and sparking a firestorm of speculation. His departure wasn’t a quiet one; it followed a public and pointed critique of both his record label and the series itself.
For years, Labrinth’s distinctive synth-driven music definedEuphoria, earning him four Emmy nominations and becoming inextricably linked to the show’s raw, often unsettling, portrayal of teenage life. But after a four-year wait for the new season, viewers discovered something was profoundly different – the music felt…missing.
The story began when creator Sam Levinson announced Hans Zimmer would join the musical team, a collaboration initially met with excitement. However, Labrinth soon took to social media, declaring simply, “I’m out.” He later clarified, stating he wouldn’t tolerate being treated poorly, a sentiment that hinted at deeper issues brewing behind the scenes.
In a recent interview, Labrinth surprisingly began by praising Levinson, calling him “a genius” with an uncanny ability to assemble the right creative team. He even extended respect to Zimmer, whom he hadn’t yet met. He described his social media outburst as uncharacteristic, a desperate attempt to control the narrative surrounding his exit.
“There were things getting sent through the grapevine that made me look like the crazy Black guy that just decided to go AWOL,” he explained. He wanted to make it unequivocally clear: he wasn’t being pushed out, he was choosing to leave. He wanted to dispel rumors of a publicity stunt and reclaim control of his story.
Labrinth acknowledged his role might be “disposable,” that his involvement wouldn’t be as central as before, but insisted that wasn’t the core issue. He fondly recalled the raw energy and singular vision that fueled the first season, a creative process he deeply valued and attributed directly to Levinson.
However, the atmosphere had shifted by the time the third season approached. He spoke of a pervasive industry hierarchy, of egos and power dynamics that stifled genuine collaboration. “If we are creating, none of those words should be in our room,” he asserted, highlighting a fundamental clash in values.
The success ofEuphoriahad transformed its cast into rising stars – Jacob Elordi, Sydney Sweeney, and Zendaya among them. Labrinth observed a troubling change in their demeanor. “Everybody’s slowly turning into their own Louis Vuitton Bag,” he said, suggesting newfound fame had fostered a sense of entitlement and detachment.
He lamented the deterioration of the “family” and “fluidity” that had characterized the early days, the loss of the creative camaraderie he’d cherished. He felt he’d “offended people for no reason” and found himself unable to resolve the growing tensions despite his best efforts. He felt his contributions were undervalued, a sentiment never explicitly communicated.
Levinson himself, in a previous interview, admitted he “doesn’t know” what transpired with Labrinth, praising him as an “incredible collaborator” and revealing a shift towards a more “old-fashioned Hollywood Western score” for the new episodes. But the music, and the feeling it evoked, is undeniably absent for many viewers.
Fans have flooded social media with their disappointment. “His music made so many memorable moments,” one Reddit user wrote. “The scenes with his music removed are so bad.” Others echoed the sentiment, feeling a vital piece of the show’s identity was missing. Some criticized Labrinth for vagueness, while others felt his message was crystal clear.
The controversy surrounding Labrinth’s departure is just one layer in a complex web of issues plaguing the show. Former cast member Barbie Ferreira spoke of being “creatively asked to do things” rather than relegated to a background role, hinting at clashes with Levinson. Rumors of a feud between Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney further fuel the narrative of a show in turmoil.
Adding to the scrutiny, the latest season has faced criticism for its explicit content, including a scene featuring Nazi symbolism and another exploring controversial themes. The show, once lauded for its unflinching honesty, now finds itself navigating a minefield of controversy and fan backlash.
Labrinth’s exit serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between artistic vision and personal integrity. It’s a story of creative compromise, shifting power dynamics, and the corrosive effects of fame. And for manyEuphoriafans, it’s a poignant loss, a silence that resonates deeply within the show’s once-vibrant soundscape.
