This story originally appeared on the pages of V124 Spring 2020.
With Euphoria officially returning for its third season, four years and countless fan theories later, we’re looking back at where it all began. Originally shared with V in Spring 2020, and shot by Jacob Elordi himself, these behind-the-scenes photographs from Season One offer a raw, unfiltered glimpse into the making of the HBO series that would go on to define a generation.
Read the interview with Jacob Elordi by Christian Coppola and see Jacob Elordi’s photo diary below.
Jacob Elordi: Good day, sir!
Christian Coppola: Can you hear me?
JE: Hey, I accidentally hit mute.
CC: Your protruding cheekbones are getting in the way…So, how did this zine come to be?
JE: [Laughs] I love my camera, and had it on set throughout the making of Euphoria, Season 1. I wanted to keep that experience with me forever.
CC: We both carry a camera with us wherever we go. What was it that made you pick one up in the first place?
JE: I liked the idea of documenting a journey to a new place, so when I moved to [L.A.], I brought along my camera. I’d also seen Heath Ledger’s photos from when he was starting out.
CC: I think photographers should [be able to] adapt [to their circumstances]. Was that part of your approach here?
JE: I didn’t really have [an approach]. I was quite nervous coming into Euphoria, and wasn’t keen on having my camera out, [until] we all spent a night at The Standard hotel. [At] the pool area, someone said, “Oh, is that a camera?” I eased into the process from there.
CC: The photos are lovely, and a contrast [to Nate’s presence] on Euphoria…A lot of people hate his guts! What’s it like to meet fans who only know you as Nate?
JE: Your sense of other people becomes heightened, which can be [uncomfort- able]. They might talk or be around you, but in the back of their minds, you can tell they think you’re this enormous ass- hole or maybe that you choke girls. Or it can work in your favor. Because [unlike Nate], I don’t love confrontation…
CC: The idea of people conflating [the actor and the art] reminds me…I’d only known you to be this gentle giant, until… Do you know where I’m going with this? JE Yes…My high point in life!
CC: The Halloween party! It was like [real- life] Euphoria fan-fiction. Someone was being homophobic to [another guest], which you noticed, and instantly called out from across the room. The look of terror in this person’s eyes…They clearly [recognized] you, because…The cherry on top: They were dressed up as Nate. And here you were, defending someone who was being persecuted.
JE: It was a literal mirror image of art imitating life…but I also just didn’t like what I was seeing.
CC: A good memory for the grandchildren, no doubt.
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